What is the Schedule of Dilapidation?: A Practical Guide

A schedule of dilapidation is a legal document served by landlords to tenants. It identifies the repairing responsibility of tenants for the leased property. The dilapidation schedule also details the cost of repair, which the tenant is liable to pay. Planning to enter into a lease contract? Don't have much idea about the schedule of dilapidation? Read on to learn about different types of dilapidation. You will understand why the schedule of dilapidation is important for tenants and landlords. The article will further discuss the different types of dilapidation schedules and their issuing process. You will also come to learn the responsibilities of landlords and tenants regarding property maintenance.

What is the schedule of dilapidation in the UK?

In the UK, a professional surveyor can prepare the schedule of dilapidation after surveying the property. It lists the property's condition and disrepair caused by the tenant during the lease. The schedule also mentions dilapidation costs payable by the tenant in case of any disrepair. Can a tenant prepare a schedule of dilapidation? A tenant can also ask the landlord to prepare a schedule of dilapidation. This will help the tenant determine the disrepair or violation of the lease agreement caused by the tenant. The tenant can hire a professional surveyor to review the claims made by the tenant in the schedule of dilapidation.

What are the different types of dilapidation schedules?

The landlords can serve a dilapidation schedule to tenants at different points of the lease term. Depending on the time of the schedule, it can be of three types - Interim, Terminal and Final schedule of dilapidation.

Interim Schedule of Dilapidation

A landlord can serve an interim schedule of dilapidation during the lease term. It is served to remind the tenant of his dilapidation obligations. It also contains any disrepair caused by the tenant during the tenancy. An interim schedule of dilapidation is the best way to avoid conflict between tenants and landlords. If you are a landlord, you should serve an interim schedule of dilapidation as you can directly communicate with the tenant. On the other hand, an interim schedule of dilapidation is best if you are a tenant. As you have control of the property, landlords can not claim any unreasonable repair work.

Terminal Schedule of Dilapidation

A terminal schedule of dilapidation is served within the last 3 years or 18 months of the lease period. It contains the state of disrepair for the property leased by the tenant. It also includes unmet repair obligations mentioned in any previous dilapidation schedule. If you are a landlord, you can consider serving a terminal schedule of dilapidation. You can provide details about disrepair issues and the tenant's obligation.

Final Schedule of Dilapidation

It is served by the landlord at the expiry of the lease term. It includes a detailed account of the state of disrepair for the property. The final schedule of dilapidation also includes dilapidation costs and due rent. However, if you are a landlord, don’t wait for the end of the lease term to serve a dilapidation schedule.

The process of issuing a dilapidation schedule

In the UK, chartered surveyors prepare the dilapidation schedule. Landlords hire them to conduct a property survey. They list the property's state of disrepair and the tenant’s repair obligation and serve the dilapidation schedule. The entire surveying process is done following the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors’ guidelines. The UK court of law also considers the dilapidation schedule a legal document. It can be presented in court if there is a conflict between the landlords and tenants.

The responsibilities of tenants and landlords

Landlords are responsible for ensuring that the dilapidation schedule contains only valid accounts of disrepair. They should not claim dilapidation costs not owed by tenants. On the other hand, tenants are responsible for meeting valid dilapidation claims made in the schedule. However, they can review the schedule to evaluate claim validity. If the property is maintained correctly, both parties can avoid conflict.

Conclusion

A schedule of dilapidation can be of three types: Interim, Terminal, and Final. Landlords serve these to remind tenants of their obligation to maintain the property properly. Chartered surveyors prepare the schedule of dilapidation after surveying the property on behalf of the landlords. Landlords should serve the schedule when tenants have the property. It will help avoid unnecessary conflicts. If you need dilapidation services, contact Dilapidation Contractors today! We offer many dilapidation services in hotels, offices, hospitality, etc.