Schedules of Condition
Clear, practical advice to help landlords and tenants record condition accurately and reduce the risk of dispute.
A Schedule of Condition is a detailed written and photographic record of a commercial property’s condition at the start of a lease. It is typically attached to and referenced within the lease, providing clarity on the condition of the premises at the point of occupation.
We prepare Schedules of Condition for landlords and tenants, providing a clear, objective record that helps limit future repairing liabilities and supports fair, proportionate outcomes if issues arise later in the lease.
providing a clear, objective record that helps limit future repairing liabilities and supports fair, proportionate outcomes if issues arise later in the lease
When and Why a Schedule of Condition Is Needed
When letting a commercial property, it is important to establish a clear record of condition before a tenant takes occupation.
A Schedule of Condition captures the internal and external condition of the building at the outset of the lease. This record can then be relied upon when assessing repairing obligations or dilapidations at a later date.
For landlords, a properly prepared Schedule of Condition helps protect against unnecessary deterioration claims and provides evidence if a dispute arises at lease end. For tenants, it offers reassurance that they will not be held responsible for pre-existing defects or disrepair.
Without a Schedule of Condition in place, disagreements over responsibility and extent of repair are far more likely, often leading to uncertainty, dispute and avoidable cost.
How We Support Landlords and Tenants
Our role is to provide an accurate, objective record of condition that both parties can rely on.
Our schedules typically include:
A thorough on-site inspection carried out prior to lease commencement
A detailed written and photographic record of internal and external condition
Clear, structured reporting that can be appended to the lease
Commentary focused on clarity and evidence, not interpretation or assumption
Where required, specialist access equipment or inspection methods can be used to ensure condition is recorded as fully as practicable.
Why GJS Dillon?
Clients choose our building surveying team because we combine technical accuracy with a practical understanding of how schedules of condition are used in the real world.
WHAT THAT MEANS IN PRACTICE IS:
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EXPERIENCED ADVICE
ACTING FOR BOTH LANDLORDS AND TENANTS ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TYPES -
CLEAR, OBJECTIVE REPORTING
FOCUSED ON EVIDENCE RATHER THAN OPINION -
PROPORTIONATE APPROACH
RECORDING CONDITION THOROUGHLY WITHOUT UNNECESSARY COMPLEXITY -
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
ADVICE PROVIDED IN LINE WITH RICS GUIDANCE
Our Schedules of Condition are prepared by experienced surveyors led by Rob Cant, Director - Building Surveying & Project Consultancy.
Wider building surveying support
In addition to Schedules of Condition, our building surveying team can support clients with related matters, including:
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Dilapidations Advice
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Commercial Building Surveys
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Reinstatement Cost Assessments
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Project and Refurbishment Advice
This joined-up approach helps ensure advice remains consistent and aligned throughout the property lifecycle.
Your Next Step
If you’re entering into a new lease or would like to protect your position at the outset of occupation, we’re here to help.
Contact our building surveying team to discuss your requirements and receive clear, commercially grounded advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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A Schedule of Condition is a written and photographic record of a property’s condition at the start of a lease. It is usually attached to the lease and used as evidence when assessing repairing obligations later on.
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Both landlords and tenants benefit. Landlords gain a clear record of condition, while tenants are protected from being held responsible for pre-existing defects.
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The schedule itself is not a legal document, but when attached to and referenced within a lease, it forms part of the contractual framework and can be relied upon in the event of a dispute.
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It should be completed before the tenant takes occupation, ideally prior to the lease being finalised.
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The level of detail should reflect the property type, condition and lease terms. Our approach is proportionate, ensuring sufficient evidence is recorded without unnecessary complexity.
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Yes. A clear, objective record of condition at lease start is one of the most effective ways to reduce uncertainty and dispute at lease end.
What’s The Best First Step?
If you’re about to grant or take a new lease, early advice is key. We can explain what level of Schedule of Condition is appropriate and guide you from there.
Supporting Real-World Commercial Property Decisions
We work with a wide range of clients across different sectors, providing practical, commercially focused advice that supports confident property decisions.
