Standardised RICS Phraseology

RICS Snagging & Dilapidations AI Clause Statements

Structured, RICS-aligned observation clauses for building surveyors, landlords, and commercial maintenance inspectors. Copy the wording into your report, or use PropertySurvey Pro™ to expand shorthand notes on site — reviewing and editing before export.

Professional Standards and Compliance

This library gives surveyors a consistent starting point for clause phrasing. Whether you are preparing a Schedule of Dilapidations or a general condition report, using standardised RICS condition ratings helps keep your reports consistent and clear for clients.

By logging shorthand during fieldwork, you can map observations to these expanded clauses to cut down on admin time — while keeping responsibility for confirming each clause reflects what you observed on site.

Automate with PropertySurvey Pro

Our mobile app maps this for you. Log a short shorthand note offline on site, and it expands into report wording you review and edit before exporting your on-device PDF.

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External Envelope

Profiled Steel Roof Cladding Cut-Edge Corrosion

RICS Dilapidations Guidance (7th Edition)Covenant Breach (Clause 4.2)
Surveyor Raw Shorthand Input (Saves time on-site)
"cladding corrosion rear elevation leak"
Expanded RICS & Covenant Standard Clause (AI Expanded)
Coating failure and significant cut-edge corrosion noted on the profiled steel cladding panels along the rear elevation, extending across several panel overlaps. Rainwater penetration is actively occurring near structural steel framing. This constitutes a clear breach of the tenant's repair covenant under Clause 4.2 of the lease. Remedial works require stripping of loose coatings, mechanical preparation, rust conversion treatment, and application of a protective anti-corrosive cladding paint system.
Masonry & Structural

Spalling Exterior Brickwork at Ground Level

RICS Home Survey Standard - Masonry AuditsRICS Condition Rating 3 (CR3)
Surveyor Raw Shorthand Input (Saves time on-site)
"spalling brickwork north base damp"
Expanded RICS & Covenant Standard Clause (AI Expanded)
Significant spalling of masonry units observed on the north-facing elevation at damp-proof course (DPC) base level. Soil splash-back and persistent water saturation from defective rainwater gutters above have eroded joint mortar up to a depth of 15mm. Immediate replacement of damaged brick units (approx. 15 no.) and professional repointing with matching mortar is required to arrest further structural deterioration. This is classified under RICS Condition Rating 3 (CR3).
Rainwater Goods

Eaves Gutter Obstructive Buildup & Bracket Deflection

Lease Covenant Clause 4.3.2 (Keep Clean)Maintenance Breach (Clause 4.3)
Surveyor Raw Shorthand Input (Saves time on-site)
"gutter blocked grass rust brackets"
Expanded RICS & Covenant Standard Clause (AI Expanded)
Eaves guttering along the west elevation is heavily obstructed by organic silt and deep vegetation growth, preventing adequate rainwater drainage and causing water to cascade over the frontage. Support brackets show surface rust and localized structural deflection under loading weight. Thorough cleaning, purging of outlets, and bracket replacement/reinforcement are required under maintenance covenant Clause 4.3.2 to prevent external fabric damage.
Floors & Joinery

Suspended Floor Joist Wet Rot & Inadequate Ventilation

BS 5250:2021 Management of Moisture in BuildingsRICS Condition Rating 3 (CR3)
Surveyor Raw Shorthand Input (Saves time on-site)
"bounce hall joists wet rot"
Expanded RICS & Covenant Standard Clause (AI Expanded)
High deflection (bounce) noted in the suspended timber ground floor within the main entrance hallway. Moisture checks register 24% MC on supporting joist ends, indicating active wet rot (Coniophora puteana) decay. External inspection shows telescopic air brick openings are completely blocked by landscaping debris. Urgent air vent clearance, joist sistering, and localized timber treatment are required to ensure structural safety. Classified under RICS Condition Rating 3 (CR3).

Frequently asked questions

What is the property compliance clause library?▾

It is a collection of structured, RICS-aligned observation clauses covering common building defects, repair-covenant breaches and maintenance items. Each entry pairs a short on-site shorthand note with expanded report wording and a reference standard, so surveyors can keep phrasing consistent across condition reports and dilapidations schedules.

How do I use the clauses in a survey report?▾

You can copy an expanded clause straight into your report, or use it as a starting point and edit it for the specific property. In PropertySurvey Pro, the clause libraries (Smart Builder) let you map a shorthand note logged on site to expanded wording, which you review and edit before exporting the on-device PDF.

Are the clauses a substitute for professional judgement?▾

No. The wording is a drafting aid, not legal advice or a finished report. You remain responsible for inspecting the property, confirming the relevant condition rating, and ensuring every clause accurately reflects what you observed and the standard you are working to.

Can I add my own clauses?▾

Yes. PropertySurvey Pro lets you build your own defect and clause libraries so frequently used wording is one tap away on site. Your libraries sync across your own signed-in devices and are backed up per account.

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