RICS
Independent Adjudication Scheme for
the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Cost: Free to use
Duration: Approx. 90 days
Get in contact
Before making a complaint you should read our Guidance Notes. You can then make and submit your complaint online. If you have any questions, just get in touch.
What is the Independent Adjudication Scheme for RICS?
We provide independent adjudication for disputes between customers and companies regarding the surveying activities of subscribing RICS member firms including, but not limited to, Homebuyers Reports, Valuation, Land Measurement, Auctions, Building Surveys and Professional Advice.
This scheme is designed to adjudicate disputes that have not been resolved through a RICS firm member’s internal complaints procedure. You must give the company the opportunity to address your concerns first, in many cases they will be able to resolve your complaint in the first instance.
Generally a qualified surveyor or legally qualified adjudicator appointed by CEDR will decide each dispute by reference to the documentary evidence supplied by the parties, the scheme rules and the relevant law. The adjudicators are experienced in dealing with these types of disputes.
No, the scheme is free of charge for customers. However, any money you spend in putting together your claim you cannot recover through the scheme.
Cases must be completed within 90 days of the application being accepted as required by UK legislation. However, the average time taken to complete the process is generally considerably quicker.
The adjudicator will produce a written decision, which will be sent to you and the RICS firm member. The adjudicator’s decision is confidential, and the RICS firm member must follow it if you choose to accept it. If you decide that you do not agree with the adjudicator’s decision, you are free to reject it and pursue your claim elsewhere if you wish. In this case, the adjudicator’s decision will not be binding on the RICS firm member.
The maximum sum which an adjudicator may award you is £25,000.00.
Before you submit an application for CEDR adjudication you should check if your claim is eligible for review.
You must ensure the following conditions are met:
- That you are an individual or a small business or organisation (with 10 or fewer full-time employees).
- That you have given the RICS firm member a reasonable chance to settle your complaint.
- That if you are seeking financial compensation, the total amount of your claim does not exceed £25,000.
- That you have been signposted to CEDR for independent adjudication.
Please see our Guidance Notes for Customers for further information.
The Property Ombudsman (TPO)
The TPO can be contacted on 01722 33306 and their website is https://www.tpos.co.uk/.
The Property Redress Scheme
Property Redress Scheme can be contacted on 0333 321 9418 and their website is https://www.theprs.co.uk/.
RICS Downloads
Companies covered
For a list of RICS regulated firms, visit their Find a Surveyor search page using the button below.
The steps you must take before submitting a complaint
Step 1.
Raise your complaint with the trader (RICS member).
Step 2.
If the trader is not able to resolve your problem to your satisfaction you may submit an application to CEDR for adjudication.
Step 3.
CEDR will review the matter and then an independent adjudicator will make a decision.
Things we cannot assist with
- Adjudication for residential lettings
- Adjudication for residential property management
- Adjudication for residential estate agency complaints
These are covered by The Property Ombudsman (TPO) or Property Redress Scheme (PRS).