Glossary
RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
The professional body for surveyors in the UK. RICS-qualified surveyors carry the most evidential weight in housing disrepair claims. Their published codes (e.g. on spray foam insulation) are persuasive in court.
Related terms
Surveyor's report
An independent assessment of a property's condition. In disrepair claims, the surveyor's report (paid for by your solicitor or as part of the case) is usually the central piece of evidence. RICS-qualified surveyors carry the most weight in court.
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
A safety check on the fixed electrics in a home, carried out by a qualified electrician. Private landlords in England must have one at least every five years and give the tenant a copy. Sometimes wrongly called an EIRC.
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By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.