The Property Redress Scheme has announced a partnership with a mediation provider, Small Claims Mediation.

The PRS will now be working with Small Claims Mediation on cases which they feel are more suitable for mediation rather than an adjudication process.

The advantage of mediation is that it puts the parties in control of the outcome. It does not focus solely on evidence but takes into account the feelings, wishes and interests of those locked within a dispute.

This is said to be particularly beneficial when the parties have an ongoing relationship and want to settle the complaint quickly and without the need to submit large amounts of documentation.

Small Claims Mediation has a large panel of highly experienced and accredited mediators spread across the country, who handle mediation online and over the phone.

The firm’s experience includes resolving disputes between landlords/tenants and agents, and many of their mediators are chartered surveyors.

The PRS is the only redress scheme for the property sector that offers mediation as an alternative to traditional evidence based adjudication.

Sean Hooker, head of redress, said: “We think it is important that our complaints handling procedure caters for the huge variety of different complaints we receive. A process that helps settle one dispute may not necessarily work for another.”