In recent months, Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors has seen a flurry of instructions for Schedules of Condition in relation to leased commercial property.
Predominantly acting for Tenants, we have been instructed on several occasions to prepare a Schedule of Condition for buildings, where new Leases are being put in place between commercial property Landlords and Tenants.
Examples of recent instructions are:
- Manufacturing premises in West Yorkshire – We are currently undertaking an inspection and preparing a detailed Schedule of Condition in relation to a 100,000ft² manufacturing premises and warehouse units with offices. This has involved hiring a cherry picker to enable a thorough roof inspection as well as a detailed inspection of the whole of the exterior, all internal areas and external grounds.
- Listed building in Blackburn, Lancashire – We have undertaken a Schedule of Condition of an office premises, which related to the re-organisation of a Lease, whereby the existing Tenant company was purchased by another business who then put a new Lease in place for the Landlord. As well as preparing a Schedule of Condition, we were also able to offer advice to our client in respect of the dilapidations/Lease scenario. Due to the unusual nature of the office as a Listed building, specialist advice and expertise was required.
- Pair of industrial units in Sale, Greater Manchester – We have prepared a Pre-Lease Assessment Report to advise the ingoing Tenant with regard to the condition of the property they were about to lease.
- High street office premises in Clitheroe, Ribble Valley – We again undertook a Pre-Acquisition Survey Report on behalf an ingoing Tenant and this involved a drone to capture high level footage/photographs of the inaccessible roof areas.
Typically, a Schedule of Condition (SoC) is prepared prior to the start of a Lease, and provides a factual record of the condition of the property at the time when the Lease commences. Ordinarily, we are appointed by the ingoing Tenant who wishes the condition of the building to be assessed.
We would be delighted to assist new clients with the preparation of Schedules of Condition at the start of Lease terms, along with Pre-Lease Assessments to advise the Tenants of likely repair responsibilities. We can also provide Dilapidations advice to Tenants who are leaving premises at the end of a Lease, or who have been served an Interim Schedule of Dilapidations.
Prospective ingoing Tenants and outgoing Tenants are welcome to contact us to discuss our services and arrange a no obligation quote.
