Senior RICS professional backs dispute resolution service

As the fallout of the pandemic continues to create tensions in the commercial property sector, RICS is urging members and other real estate professionals who act for landlords and tenants to make use of its Commercial Rental Independent Evaluation Service (CRIES) to avoid, manage and, if required, resolve disputes.

The government’s voluntary code of practice for the commercial property sector encourages the use of independent mediation procedures, such as CRIES.

“Recommending that landlords and tenants act as economic partners rather than opponents, the code requires transparency and collaboration, with both parties acting reasonably and responsibly to help each other survive and prosper” says Professor Graham F Chase FRICS, who is backing the call to employ CRIES where there is a dispute.

CRIES gives landlords and tenants access to impartial expert evaluators who can facilitate and inform meaningful discussions, and help landlords and tenants reach agreed solutions.

“The evaluator is appointed to help both sides equally by drawing on their own business expertise, negotiating abilities, dispute resolution experience and common sense”, says Chase.

"Using the service will help “inject new life and balance into the marketplace”, he concludes.