Schedules of condition are often used to accurately record and benchmark the condition of a property. You may be wondering if you need one, or be wondering whether it’ll be worth paying for and what benefit it’ll bring. This blog post will cover what they are, when they’re often used and when they’re a good idea.
What is a schedule of condition?
A schedule of condition is a document containing a detailed package of photos covering every element, finish, area and feature of a property. The photos are usually accompanied with a written description of each element’s condition, with the related photos referenced to make it clearer to use.
Schedules of condition are most often used in leases to show the state of a property when a tenant begins their lease; they’re also used regularly before works begin to shared structures such as party walls, before any potential damage could occur.
Is it a good idea to get a schedule of condition?
In many cases, yes.
If you’re a tenant preparing to take on a property, it’s likely you’ll feel that you shouldn’t have to return the property in any better state of repair than you received it in. To do this, you’ll need a detailed record of the property’s condition; a schedule of condition will need to be prepared in order to provide this record. It’s important to mention that use of a schedule of condition in a lease requires agreement from your landlord; the wording of the lease will also need to reference it, so it’s crucial that you gain advice on the wording from a property agent or solicitor to make sure you’re covered.
It’s also a good idea to have a schedule of condition prepared if you’re undertaking works to a party wall or structure, or to ask for one if your neighbour is planning to start works. It’s a crucial section of a party wall award; if you need free initial advice on a party wall matter, please get in touch to request a call back from us.
When is a schedule of condition not needed?
A schedule of condition is an accurate way of documenting a property’s visual condition, but it is limited to a visual description and shouldn’t be considered if you’re looking for technical information or advice. The schedule of condition won’t tell you why an element of the building is faulty, nor will it provide details on repair options or provide any costs for works. If the purpose of the survey is to learn more about the property, or if you have any specific concerns, a technical survey such as a building survey or specific defect survey would be more likely to address any potential issues.
Find out more about how we can assist you with a schedule of condition.