THE Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors says businesses will be given greater protection against "unfair and unclear service charges" from this April.

RICS is launching a professional statement to ensure business tenants gain access to "transparent, upfront and fair costs" for the upkeep of their property.

The industry body wants any charges incurred to be in accordance with the terms of the lease, so that landlords of commercial property are not able to exploit businesses.

All regulated firms must comply with the new requirements in the professional statement from April 1 this year, says RICS.

It worked with property owners, occupiers, managing agents, accountants and lawyers to write the recommendations.

David Tudor-Morgan, head of retail operations at property developer British Land, commented: "These new requirements provide the industry with a clear and robust set of guidelines that equally benefit occupiers, landlords and agents.”