The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has launched a new service offering an alternative method for resolving dilapidations disputes.

The parties may, by agreement, apply to RICS for the appointment of an arbitrator or independent expert. At present the disputes are settled by the parties or by going to court.

RICS is already the world's largest provider of ADR services processing more than 10,000 cases a year. It is currently looking to move from a paper-based system to a more sophisticated online processing environment.