When the model value is null, the first item of the Rating is selected.
Return a new model instance to the view without setting a value for the rating:
@(Html.Kendo().Rating()
.Name("test")
.Precision("half")
.Value(Model.Rating)
)
@(Html.Kendo().RatingFor(m => m.Rating)
.Precision("half")
)
The first item of the Rating is selected and respectively its value.
When the model value is null, no item should be selected.