Guidance Notes for Surveyors Acting as Arbitrators or as Independent Experts in Rent Reviews

These notes are based on law and practice in England and Wales, and may be of assistance to parties directly concerned, as well as surveyors who are appointed either by the President of the RICS, or directly by the parties to a dispute, to act as arbitrators or as independent experts. They are also intended to assist the parties themselves, and those acting for them, by making them aware of the procedures likely to be followed. As the majority of appointments made by the president are in landlord and tenant matters, notably rent reviews, these guidance notes were specifically prepared for rent review arbitrators and independent expert appointments. However, some of the procedures included in the notes, and the principles of natural justice, apply to all arbitrators. This edition now brings the law up to date, taking into account recent legislative changes including the use of arbitration awards as evidence and the treatment of independent experts.