Licence for Alterations
Thinking of making changes to your leasehold flat? You’ll need formal permission from your landlord before starting any work. This is called a licence for alterations. We’ll take the stress out of the legal side, so you can focus on planning your project. That starts with a clear explanation of what your lease says, what consents you’ll need, and what rights your landlord has.
Do you own the loft?
If you’re converting your loft, check whether you actually own the space or just have a right to use it. Some leases are silent on this. We’ll review your lease and tell you exactly where you stand before you spend money on plans or contractors.
Landlord fees
Landlords usually expect you to cover their legal and surveyor’s fees as well as your own. This is standard for most alteration licences, and it’s best to budget for it early. We’ll give you a clear idea of what to expect and help keep costs under control.
Premiums and negotiations
Some landlords will charge a premium before granting consent. This isn’t always set in stone. We can help you understand whether it’s reasonable, guide you through the negotiation, and protect your rights at every stage of the process.
Details matter
You’ll need to send a full description of the works when you apply. In due course the landlord will require architect drawings and structural engineer calculations, which documents will be annexed to the licence for alterations, together with planning permission and building regulations if available at that stage.
Party wall agreements
If your works affect shared walls or structures, you might also need party wall agreements with your neighbours. We’ll let you know if this applies and help coordinate the process as it's important to get it right from the start.
How we can help
We’ll deal with the landlord’s solicitor directly, to keep the process moving, and make sure the final licence protects your position. Whether it’s checking your title, reviewing the lease, or negotiating the wording of the licence itself, we’re here to make things clearer, quicker, and easier.
Questions we’re often asked
Not usually. Most leases and legal precedent say landlords can’t unreasonably withhold consent. But what’s ‘reasonable’ can depend on your lease and the nature of the works.
Timelines vary. It depends on how quickly your landlord appoints a solicitor and whether they’re charging you a premium. Remember, your works are of no benefit to the landlord, so there is no incentive for the landlord to act quickly unless they are charging a premium to grant consent. Start the process of applying for landlord consent to the works as soon as possible to avoid delays in commencing building works.
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