RICS Knowledgebase

Generally (but not always) terms will state that the report is provided for the client’s use, and that the surveyor cannot accept responsibility if it is used, or relied upon, by anyone else. The terms may also go into more detail about how the report may or may not be shared. 

Unless prepared especially as an Expert Witness report, a report prepared for more general purposes may only have the status of evidence and opinion. An expert witness report is different from a report for a single client, it has to follow different rules and be unbiased and independent. 

Clients should check terms with their surveyor about how they are permitted to share the report and speak with them if still isn't clear as the surveyor will be best placed to answer the question. Surveyors should consider in their terms of engagement or liaison with the client about the purpose and audience of the report and aim to make clear if it can be used to suit the ultimate audiences who will be relying on the report, also with consideration to requirements in their Professional Indemnity Insurance