New RICS guidelines for commercial landlords now in place

New guidelines relating to commercial property service charges have now come into effect in a move designed to protect tenants from unscrupulous landlords and introducing greater transparency in the sector. The requirements, introduced by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), are also expected to reduce the causes of disputes and provide guidance on resolution. ‘The guidelines act as a best practice document that provides a benchmark by which all those involved with the commercial property sector should set their own code of conduct,’ said Lisa Evans, Head of Property at Kirwans law firm.