Schedule of condition
A schedule of condition is a written and photographic record of the state of a property at the start of a tenancy. It sits alongside, or forms part of, the property inventory and describes walls, floors, fixtures, fittings and any existing marks, damage or defects room by room.
A good schedule of condition is one of the most important documents for deposit protection and disputes. It provides the “before” picture that adjudicators, ombudsmen and courts will compare with your check-out evidence at the end of the tenancy. Without it, claims for damage beyond fair wear and tear are much harder to prove.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, which emphasises fairness, evidence and avoiding betterment, detailed schedules of condition help you:
Show that you have been transparent about existing issues.
Justify proportionate deductions where new damage appears.
Defend yourself where a tenant alleges that problems were present all along.
Best practice is to:
Compile the schedule just before move-in.
Include clear photos and meter readings
Have the tenant review and sign or confirm it, and
Store it with your inventory, check-in report and deposit documents.
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