Licence To Alter
What is a Licence to Alter?
Under most leases a tenant is required to obtain consent from the landlord and/or the management company before making any alterations to their property. The document that confirms this consent is referred to as a “Licence to Alter” or a “Licence for Alterations”.
Whether or not consent (a licence to alter) is required will depend on (a) the specific works proposed and (b) what the lease states in the relevant covenants.
In most leases, the landlord will place a restriction on the extent of works that the tenant can undertake without first gaining landlord’s consent.
The most common works which would normally require a Licence to Alter include:
- altering the layout
- making structural changes
- refurbishing bathrooms or kitchens
- installing new mechanical or electrical service installations
- replacing windows
What is the process?
As a tenant wishing to carry out works to your property, the first thing you need to do is read your lease and understand whether Landlord’s consent is required. If it is, you must contact your Landlord or its managing agent to ask how to apply for a Licence to Alter and whether any Landlord’s regulations are in existence that you need to abide by.
What costs are involved?
Apart from your own professional team involving an Architect / designer, engineer (if required), project manager, contractor etc. you will also need to pay for the Landlord’s surveyor if one is required, his advising engineer if the works are of a structural nature that he or she will require engineering input, the Landlord’s solicitor’s fee for drafting and serving the Licence to Alter.
What kind of documentation will be required?
- An undertaking for the Landlord’s professional fees or money on account.
- Full details of the works including plans, specifications, and method statements
- Contractor’s insurance information
- Structural calculations (if applicable)
- Schedules of condition of adjacent flats / properties.
How long do matters take?
This depends very much on the complexity and extent of the proposals. Very simple works can be agreed within a few days. Extensive works that pose a greater risk can take weeks or months depending on the flow and quality of the information being sent .
How can we assist?
At GT Louis, we act for Landlords to administer the process on their behalf. If required, we can produce a bespoke set of Landlord’s Regulations so all leaseholders are clear on the requirements and to maintain quality standards in buildings. We aim to minimise the impact, risk and disruption to other leaseholders and protect the Landlord’s interest whilst being constructive and collaborative in our dealings with tenants.
We also act for tenants in managing the application process and liaising with the Landlord’s Surveyor to ensure the process is as efficient and swift as possible.