RICS Standards for Party Wall Surveyors: What Property Owners Should Know

What Are RICS Standards?

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) sets the global standard for professional surveying practice. For party wall agreement London projects, RICS standards provide essential quality assurance, professional protection, and standardised procedures that benefit both building owners and adjoining owners.

Party Wall Agreement London's RICS chartered surveyors operate under strict professional standards that govern everything from technical competence to ethical conduct. Understanding these standards helps property owners make informed decisions when selecting party wall surveyor services.

RICS Professional Promise

RICS professionals promise to maintain the highest levels of competency and integrity, and to provide outstanding client service in everything they do. This commitment is backed by rigorous qualification requirements and ongoing professional development.

RICS Party Wall Legislation and Procedure Standards

The Professional Standard Document

RICS publishes "Party Wall Legislation and Procedure" as a professional standard for England and Wales. This comprehensive document provides guidance for RICS members accepting party wall instructions and ensures consistent, professional service delivery across the industry.

Key Requirements Under RICS Standards

Professional Competence

• Comprehensive understanding of Party Wall Act 1996
• Knowledge of construction methods and materials
• Understanding of statutory procedures and timeframes
• Expertise in dispute resolution processes

Ethical Standards

• Impartial advice regardless of appointing party
• Transparent fee structures and cost disclosure
• Confidentiality and data protection compliance
• Conflict of interest identification and management

Professional Qualifications and Assessment

Pathway to RICS Chartered Status

Becoming a RICS chartered surveyor requires extensive education, experience, and assessment. The pathway demonstrates commitment to professional excellence and provides assurance of competence:

Academic Qualification

RICS-accredited degree in surveying, construction, or related field, or equivalent professional qualification through alternative pathways.

Structured Training

Minimum two years of supervised practical experience in surveying practice, with documented competency development in core areas.

Professional Assessment

Final Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) including written submission, presentation, and professional interview by qualified assessors.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

RICS chartered surveyors must complete minimum 20 hours of CPD annually, ensuring they stay current with:

Legislative changes: Updates to party wall legislation and related regulations
Case law developments: New legal precedents affecting party wall practice
Technical advances: New construction methods, materials, and survey techniques
Professional standards: Updates to RICS guidance and best practice

Quality Assurance and Client Protection

Professional Indemnity Insurance

All RICS chartered surveyors must maintain adequate professional indemnity insurance, providing financial protection for clients in case of professional negligence or errors:

Insurance Requirements

Minimum Coverage Levels

• Solo practitioners: £250,000
• Partnerships: £500,000 per partner
• Limited companies: £1,000,000+

Policy Features

• Run-off cover for six years
• Worldwide territorial coverage
• Fraud and dishonesty protection

RICS Regulation and Disciplinary Process

RICS operates a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure professional standards are maintained. The disciplinary process protects public interest and maintains profession integrity:

Complaint Investigation

Formal investigation process for complaints against RICS members, with independent assessment and fair hearing procedures.

Disciplinary Sanctions

Range of sanctions from formal cautions to expulsion from RICS membership, providing strong incentives for professional compliance.

Remedial Requirements

Requirements for additional training, supervision, or practice restrictions to address identified competency issues.

RICS Rules of Conduct for Party Wall Surveyors

The Five Professional Principles

RICS Rules of Conduct are based on five ethical principles that guide professional behaviour in all party wall matters:

1. Honesty and Integrity

Party wall surveyors must be straightforward and truthful in all professional dealings, providing accurate advice regardless of potential commercial pressure.

2. Competence

Undertaking only work for which they have the knowledge, skills, and resources, ensuring competent service delivery throughout party wall procedures.

3. Service

Providing the best possible advice, support, and performance, prioritising client needs while maintaining professional independence.

4. Respect

Treating others with courtesy and respecting different points of view, essential for successful party wall dispute resolution.

5. Responsibility

Taking responsibility for actions and their consequences, ensuring accountability in all party wall advice and decision-making.

Specialist Party Wall Competencies

Core Knowledge Areas

RICS party wall surveyors must demonstrate competence across multiple technical and legal areas:

Competency Area	Required Knowledge
Legal Framework	Comprehensive understanding of Party Wall Act 1996 and related legislation
Construction Technology	Knowledge of building methods, materials, and structural systems
Dispute Resolution	Mediation, negotiation, and formal dispute resolution procedures
Survey Techniques	Condition assessment, measurement, and documentation methods

Benefits for Property Owners

Quality Assurance Through Professional Standards

Selecting RICS chartered party wall surveyors provides multiple benefits for London property owners:

Professional Guarantees

✓ Verified competence through rigorous assessment
✓ Ongoing professional development requirements
✓ Regulatory oversight and accountability
✓ Professional indemnity insurance protection

Service Standards

✓ Standardised procedures and documentation
✓ Ethical conduct and impartial advice
✓ Clear fee structures and transparent costs
✓ Complaints procedure and resolution process

Choosing RICS Party Wall Surveyors

Verification and Due Diligence

When selecting party wall surveyors for your London project, verify their RICS status and ensure they meet professional standards:

Verification Steps

• Check RICS membership status through the online directory
• Verify professional indemnity insurance coverage
• Request details of relevant experience and qualifications
• Confirm specialisation in party wall matters
• Review client references and case studies

Conclusion: Professional Standards Matter

RICS professional standards provide essential quality assurance for party wall projects in London. The rigorous qualification process, ongoing professional development requirements, and regulatory oversight ensure that RICS chartered surveyors deliver competent, ethical, and reliable service.

Party Wall Agreement London's commitment to RICS standards demonstrates our dedication to professional excellence and client protection. When selecting party wall surveyors, the RICS charter mark provides confidence that your project will be handled by qualified professionals operating to the highest industry standards.

Choose RICS Excellence

Contact Party Wall Agreement London's RICS chartered surveyors for professional party wall services that meet the highest industry standards. Our commitment to RICS excellence ensures quality, reliability, and client protection.

Get Professional Service

David Harrison, MRICS, FPTS

Senior Partner & Director

David is a Fellow of both RICS and the Pyramus & Thisbe Club, with extensive experience in professional standards development and party wall legislation. He has contributed to several RICS guidance documents and regularly lectures on professional standards in surveying.