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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A TERMINAL SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS?
Friday 12th January 2024
In the context of commercial property leases in the UK, a Schedule of Dilapidations is a formal document prepared by a landlord (or their surveyor) that outlines breaches of lease covenants relating to the condition of the property. These breaches usually pertain to clauses in the lease that require the tenant to maintain, repair, redecorate, or reinstate the premises.
A Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations is specifically served towards the end of a lease or after the lease has expired. It details the work that the landlord considers necessary to bring the property back to the condition it should have been in, according to the terms of the lease. This typically includes repairs, reinstatement of alterations, and decoration that the tenant is obliged to carry out under the terms of the lease agreement.
The purpose of a Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations is to:
1. Identify Breaches: It lists the specific areas where the tenant has failed to comply with the lease obligations concerning the state of repair and condition of the property.
2. Quantify Claims: It provides an estimate of the costs associated with rectifying the breaches, which the landlord may claim from the tenant as damages.
3. Facilitate Settlement: It serves as a basis for negotiations between the landlord and tenant to reach a settlement regarding the condition of the property and any compensation that may be due. The tenant may agree to carry out the works, or more commonly, a financial settlement is agreed upon in lieu of the actual repairs.
4. Legal Evidence: If the landlord and tenant cannot reach an agreement, the Schedule of Dilapidations may be used as evidence in legal proceedings. The landlord may pursue a claim through the courts to recover the cost of making good the dilapidations if the tenant does not comply with their obligations.
5. Protect Property Value: By ensuring that tenants adhere to their repair and maintenance obligations, landlords aim to maintain the value and functionality of their property, making it easier to re-let or sell in the future.
It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand that the cost of repairs listed in a Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations may be subject to negotiation. Tenants may also have defences against some of the claims, and the actual amount recoverable may be limited by law, such as under the principle of 'diminution in value' set out in Section 18(1) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1927.
Both parties often engage their own surveyors and legal advisors to ensure that the Schedule of Dilapidations is accurate and that any claims are fair and reasonable. The tenant's surveyor can prepare a response to the landlord's schedule, which may challenge certain items, propose alternative remedies, or question the costings provided.
The negotiation process following the issuance of a Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations can be complex and may involve several rounds of discussions and adjustments to the proposed works and associated costs. The aim is to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties and fulfils the terms of the lease without the need for litigation.
If the case does go to court, the court will consider the evidence presented, including the original lease agreement, the Schedule of Dilapidations, any response from the tenant, and expert testimony. The court will then make a judgment on the appropriate amount of damages, if any, that the tenant should pay to the landlord.
In summary, a Terminal Schedule of Dilapidations is a critical document in the context of commercial property leases, serving as a formal statement of the repairs and restorations a landlord believes are necessary to return the property to its agreed-upon condition at the end of a lease. It is a tool for ensuring compliance with lease terms, protecting property value, and resolving end-of-lease obligations between landlords and tenants. The process encourages both parties to engage in negotiations to settle any disputes related to property condition without resorting to legal action. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the Schedule of Dilapidations forms the basis for any subsequent legal claims for damages due to breach of the lease covenants regarding the state of repair.
It's worth noting that the preparation of a Schedule of Dilapidations, the negotiations that follow, and any potential legal proceedings require a good understanding of property law and the specific terms of the lease agreement. Therefore, both landlords and tenants are advised to seek professional advice from chartered surveyors who specialise in dilapidations, as well as legal counsel, to ensure that their rights and interests are adequately protected and that any actions taken are in compliance with current legislation and case law.
Contact:
Here at Tayross Associates, Carl and Mike are both Chartered Surveyors with experience in Dilapidations, Planning Matters, Building Surveying, Building Consultancy, Contract Administration, Project Management, Boundary Disputes and Party Wall related matters. They are happy help with any questions you may have regarding the above.
Please visit our 'contact us' page here for contact details - www.tayross.com/contact
Please visit our website here for more information - www.tayross.com
