UK&I Service Charges in Commercial Property - 3 Part Web Class

Overview

June 2026 Schedule

1. 11 June 2026 | 10:00 - 11:30 (BST)
2. 18 June 2026 | 10:00 - 11:30 (BST)
3. 25 June 2026 | 10:00 - 11:30 (BST)

August / September 2026 Schedule

1. 26 August 2026 | 13:30 - 15:00 (BST)
2. 02 September 2026 | 13:30 - 15:00 (BST)
3. 09 September 2026 | 13:30 - 15:00 (BST)

November / December 2026 Schedule

1. 27 November 2026 | 10:00 - 11:30 (GMT)
2. 04 December 2026 | 10:00 - 11:30 (GMT)
3. 11 December 2026 | 10:00 - 11:30 (GMT)
    

This three-part course gives RICS professionals a clear, practical framework for managing service charges in line with the updated RICS professional standard, Service Charges in Commercial Property (2nd Edition). Designed for practitioners operating in an increasingly scrutinised environment, it provides guidance on applying compliance requirements, following best practice, and avoiding disputes in everyday professional work.  

The web class begins by establishing a shared, practical understanding of the legal and ethical principles of service charges in commercial property. The first session evaluates the current knowledge of delegates and advises them on common misconceptions and risk areas before revisiting the fundamentals of compliant service charge management. 

Delegates then explore the mandatory requirements and core principles of the updated standard and how best practice is delivered in day-to-day service charge management. Attendees will strengthen professional judgement, expand upon delivering value for money, and develop clearer communication with their occupiers. 

The final instalment centres on service charge disputes. Advising the audience on how to avoid and resolve disputes as they arise. Participants will spend the web class working through a series of scenarios covering ESG-related costs, apportionment issues and lease interpretation challenges. Participants will leave with the practical tools and judgement needed to deliver fair, transparent and defensible service charge management across their portfolios.

The web classes will be delivered across three sessions, focusing on the following areas:

Session 1: An introduction to service charges in commercial property 

• The service charge arrangement 
• Whose money is it? 
• Professional Background 
• Residential v Commercial and mixed-use schemes 
• Contractual basis of the service charge 
• What costs are recoverable  
• Reasonableness of costs 
• Recovering cost under short term leases 
• Sweeper clauses 
• Apportionment of service charges 

Session 2: The RICS Professional Standard 

• Background and core principles 
• Mandatory requirements 
• Best practice principles 
• Repairs, replacement and improvements 
• Sinking and reserve funds 
• Provision for anticipated future expenditure 

Session 3: Dealing with Disputes 

• The inherent conflicts 
• The RICS Professional Standard 
• Common causes of dispute 
• Avoiding disputes 
• Resolving disputes 
  • Arbitration  
  • Mediation 
  • Independent expert determination 

Learning Outcomes