- Undertake a detailed survey of the of the property
- Take detailed photographs of the property
- Formulate a written commentary to accompany the photos
- Create the Schedule of Condition
- Obtain the consent of the landlord to the Schedule of Condition
- Circulate the final schedule to your solicitor to attach to your lease
Entering into a lease as a tenant can be one of the most expensive costs for any business to commit to. The tenant takes on many financial liabilities in addition to the rent, which often includes the costs of repairing and maintaining the building. Many tenants are unaware of, or underestimate the extent of these costs over the lease term.
We can help you to limit that liability by inspecting the property and preparing a Schedule of Condition. This is a document that records the state and condition of the property at the time the lease is entered into using detailed photographs and a written description.
The Schedule of Condition provides details of any pre-existing damage or disrepair which was there before you took possession of the premises. This document is then attached to the lease with a clear agreement between the landlord and the tenant that the tenant is not required to return the property in any better state of condition than it was in when the lease started. This can significantly limit the financial liability for you, the tenant at the end of your lease.
An example of a Schedule of Condition we have undertaken is of The Solar Building, Rainton Lane, Sunderland for Energy Compare Ltd.
“I have known and worked with Ben for a number of years and what sets him apart from other building surveyors is his desire to understand the needs of the business. It is not simply the case of issuing the “standard” report he wants to provide a much more focused report which is of much more use to his client. By tailoring his reports and advice to our requirements Ben and the wider team provide a much better value for money than the tick box exercise of some other surveyors.”
Ian Miller
Head of Property
Luxury Leisure, Talarius Ltd & RAL Ltd
Novomatic Group
“We have worked with Ben for a number of years and can fully rely on him. Ben’s personal approach to each job, regardless of size, engenders trust and confidence. We are able to make important business decisions based on Ben’s advice and look forward to continuing our relationship with Method Building Consultancy”
Laura Lloyd
Investment and Development Manager
The Hanro Group
“Having recently set up my own Commercial Property Asset Management business that specialises in working with landed estates, I was very conscious about introducing other professional to advise clients. Previously as Property Director for The Northumberland Estates I worked with Ben over the years and always trusted his straightforward no nonsense advice. Since he founded Method Building Consultancy I have used Ben on two different landed estates where he has successfully advised on a range of Dilapidations and professional matters as well as undertaking an acquisition survey. Ben always manages to understand what the business requires and tailor high quality advice to the situation at hand. Both landowners valued the advice and I have no hesitation to introduce Ben on future projects.”
Colin Davison
“Ben Hunter and the team at Method regularly provide us with advice when we are acquiring or asset managing property. We like working alongside Ben as his methodical, experienced and professional approach to property aligns with our business needs. The team work quickly and efficiently to understand our concerns on any technical matter and help us come up with a commercial and pragmatic resolution in a timely manner.”
Douglas Cranston
Investment Manager
MCM Group
We are incredibly grateful to Ben at Method Building Consultancy for his suport, generosity and professionalism. His advice and guidance has been invaluable and resulted in protection of the charities funds to be used to suport the Children’s Heart Unit. From start to finish Ben has provided a first class service advising and liaising on our behalf in a timely and professional manner. Thank you Ben for your amazing support.”
Charlotte Campbell
Children’s Heart Unit Foundation