Dilapidation surveys: What is the difference between a Schedule of Condition and a Schedule of Dilapidations?
Whilst some may think the terms interchangeable, a Schedule of Condition and Schedule of Dilapidations serve different purposes and are governed by different regulations.
What is a Schedule of Condition?
A Schedule of Condition (SoC) is a detailed assessment of the state of a property taken before the commencement of a lease. It is not a legal requirement, but is highly recommended because it serves to protect both tenants and landlords by creating a transparent reference document of the state of the property that both parties can rely upon in any future dispute.
It is a proactive measure, which for landlords demonstrates the condition of the property and provides a baseline to which the property should be reinstated at the end of the lease. Meanwhile, for tenants is is an assurance against any future unjust repair or dilapidations charges.
Typically, a Schedule of Condition will include:
Photographic evidence - detailed photographs of the property’s interior highlighting any current wear and tear.
Written descriptions - detailed written descriptions of the condition of each room and area
Special features - documentation of any unique or historic elements of the property
External elements - documentation of the property’s exterior, including the roof, gutters, and garden.
What is a Schedule of Dilapidations?
While the Schedule of Condition is a proactive measure that is agreed upon by both landlords and tenants, a Schedule of Dilapidations is reactive and highlights tenant-related wear and repair obligations at the end of a lease.
The Schedule of Dilapidations is essentially a list of items that a survey has found that will require repair and are the responsibility of the tenant under the lease terms. It will generally be served on the tenant towards the end of the lease, but in some cases it may be served at other points during the tenancy.
Whilst a Schedule of Dilapidations is served by the landlord on the tenant, it can still protect both parties’ interests. For landlords, it can help make sure that their property is returned in a good state without outstanding repairs at the end of the tenancy. Meanwhile, for tenants it can provide clarity on what is expected of them and lays out the potential costs for any works that they may need to complete - works for which they may be able to find a better quote themselves by using a reliable dilapidation contractor.
The RICS’ protocol for Claims for Dilapidations offers guidance on conducting dilapidation surveys and emphasizes transparency, fairness, and open communication between the parties to avoid potential disputes and expensive legal wranglings.
Typically, a Schedule of Dilapidations include
List of damages - a comprehensive list of damages or wear and tear to the property
Repair recommendations - suggestions for repairs or restorations
Comparative analysis - a detailed comparison of the state of the property with the initial Schedule of Condition.
Potential costs & liabilities - estimated costs or liabilities for any remedial work
Both condition and dilapidation surveys are pivotal in effective property management. While a condition survey provides a comprehensive overview of a building’s state for maintenance and future planning, a dilapidation survey ensures that tenants uphold their lease obligations and the property is returned to its original state.
If you are a tenant looking to save money by using your own dilapidation contractor to complete the reinstatement works or a landlord looking for a reliable and cost-effective contractor to strip out your property, call Workspace Dilapidations on 07498 727 457 or contact us online.