Rent arbitration scheme to start in September

Licensees will be able to take advantage of an independent rent review arbitration scheme from next month, trade chiefs confirmed today.

The Pub Independent Rent Review Scheme (PIRRS) will give publicans the chance to have a lower cost option to help settle rent disputes.

The idea was originally raised by the BII, and other trade chiefs have now added their support.

The directors on the PIRRS board are chairman Bernard Bringley (BII), Neil Robertson (BII), Nick Bish (Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers), Brian Rees (Guild of Master Victuallers), Tony Payne (Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations) and Martin Rawlings (British Beer & Pub Association).

BII chief executive Neil Robertson said: "BII are delighted to support the Pub Independent Rent Review Scheme which gives licensees who have exhausted all other means, an option for a fair rent resolution.

"The PIRRS will be hugely beneficial to both licensees and landlords and demonstrates to the government that the industry has listened to, and acted upon, the BEC report."

From mid-September, licensees and pub operators will be able to refer their case to one of the independent valuation experts operating under the new scheme.

The experts will be nominated and approved by the PIRRS board and will mediate in unresolved rent review disagreements.

Tenants can use the scheme if their pub company is a member of the PIRRS.

Fees are expected to cost between £1,500 and £2,000 for licensees inside the M25 and between £1,500 and £1,500 for those outside that area.

Landlord fees will range from £1,500 to £2,500.

For further information email info@pirrscheme.com​