Check, Challenge, Appeal
Appeals and fees: no-win-no-fee vs fixed fee
There's no set fee scale in the rating profession, so terms vary a lot between firms. Broadly:
- Success-fee / no-win-no-fee — a percentage of the saving, often 15-30%, charged only if the challenge succeeds. Lower risk to you, but check exactly how "success" and "saving" are defined — some firms charge on the RV reduction even where no cash saving reaches your bill because of a cap.
- Fixed or upfront fee — a flat charge regardless of outcome. Rare for small venues, more common for larger or complex cases where the surveyor's time is substantial upfront.
- Hybrid — a smaller upfront fee plus a lower success percentage.
Whatever the structure, get it in writing before any work starts, and check it meets the RICS Rating Consultancy Code's minimum contents, including a signed declaration that no result is guaranteed. See our guide to
choosing a rating surveyor.We're a bar owner's information site, not a surveyor. If you send this form, we may pass your details to a RICS-regulated rating firm we work with, who will contact you. They would pay us if you instruct them. You can check your valuation yourself free on the Valuation Office's service. No one can guarantee a reduction.
Page last reviewed: . Written by Lee Tobin. Not legal, tax or professional valuation advice.