What is a Schedule of Condition?
A Schedule of Condition is a form of photographic and written evidence that documents the state of the property at the time the lease is granted to a tenant. Within this document, you will find a full list of photographs, as well as any other additional descriptions of the property.
This document is also used to establish the condition of a property prior to occupation of the property or tenancy agreement in order to limit a tenant’s repair obligations.
When is a Schedule of Condition needed?
A Schedule of Condition is typically included within a Lease in order to limit the tenant’s repairing obligations to the condition of the property at the beginning of a lease.
This document is usually prepared for legal or contractual reasons and is used for both residential and commercial properties. At the same time, a Schedule of Condition (SOC) acts as a benchmark against which its condition can be assessed in the future, which is why it is often prepared at the beginning of a lease agreement.
What is included in a Schedule of Condition?
A Schedule of Condition document is well structured and easy to follow. The vast majority of schedule of condition documents include the following information:
- The purpose of the Schedule
- A general brief description of the property
- Any restrictions on the inspection
- Details of the location of the property
- The date of inspection and the weather conditions at that time.
- The purpose for which the schedule may be relied upon.
- Relevant drawings of the property, identifying rooms.
- Photos
- Videos
- Definitions of the terms used
The importance of detailed photographs and text
The main purpose of detailed photographs and text is to give a fair, firsthand insight into the condition of a property. Prepared under the instruction of a landlord, a tenant, a contractor or an employer, the document is used to identify changes in the condition of a property.
Without detailed photographs and text, it can sometimes be difficult to visualise the current state of a commercial or residential property.
How does a Schedule of Condition protect both landlord and tenant?
As a Schedule of Condition acts as photographic and written evidence of the state of the property at the time the lease is granted, it protects both the landlord and tenant when it comes to determining who is responsible for repairs to the property.
This means both the tenant’s repair obligations in the lease, as well as the Schedule of Condition, can be referred to in instances of damage or repair to a property. The Schedule of Condition acts as evidence of the state of repair, condition, and decoration of a property.
When it comes to preparing the schedule of conditions, a landlord should instruct a Chartered Surveyor to produce a Schedule of Condition. All photographs should be of high quality and text should be clear and concise.
Require a Schedule of Condition?
To discuss a Schedule of Condition for your property or new lease, contact our expert team here.
Disclaimer: Please note this article is for guidance purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
