The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
What is the RICS?
They describe themselves as the pre-eminent organisation of this kind in the world – they operate out of 146 countries, supported by an extensive network of regional offices.
Their members offer advice on a wide range of land, property, construction and related environmental issues.
The key roles of RICS are to:
• Regulate and promote the profession
• Maintain the highest educational and professional standards
• Protect clients and consumers through a strict code of ethics
• Provide impartial advice, analysis and guidance
What does it mean for me?
Members display chartered or technical surveyor designations (the letters after a member’s name), the words 'Regulated by RICS' (when used by a firm), and the RICS logo.
RICS say the main benefits to consumers include:
• RICS members are qualified and experienced professionals offering independent and impartial advice
• The advice you receive will be of the highest and most professional standard possible
• RICS requires all its members to update and enhance their skills, knowledge and competence throughout their working life – and they have to prove it
How am I protected?
RICS members follow strict Rules of Conduct, which regulate how they deal with you, as their client, and how they deal with your money. They protect consumers through a formal complaints handling procedure.
A firm that is regulated by RICS has:
• A commitment to professional and technical standards and staff training
• Professional indemnity insurance cover
• A complaints handling procedure to answer client complaints
• Access to independent resolution of complaints where the firm cannot resolve the matter
• Rules to ensure that any money held on behalf of clients is held safely and securely - this includes, rent, deposits, service charges and insurance premium money
Review our guide to Property Regulators
