When it comes to a leasehold property, it is sometimes necessary to make changes to the property either upon moving in or before occupying the premises. These could be because of a need to refurbish the premises or change the nature of its operation.
To make sure that these changes are done in full compliance with the lease it may be necessary to obtain a licence to alter.
What Changes May Require a Licence to Alter?
When it comes to any major works within a premise then you make need to obtain a Licence for Alterations. This includes works such as altering the structure, changing internal walls, altering building services such as heating or adding additional wash-room facilities.
What changes will require a licence to alter depends on the exact wording in your lease. It may be that some minor changes are permitted without obtaining permission first. On rare occasions, it may even be that any changes can be done without prior consent.
What is a Licence to Alter?
The Licence to Alter is a detailed document that contains all of the information about the changes that are going to be made. This can include a description of the works, the programme of works, drawings of the existing and proposed layouts, structural drawings, specifications, risk assessments and method statements, formal notices and evidence of insurance, evidence of compliance with regulations and planning permissions.
It will have everything that is needed in one place to affect the change to the property.
Will I Obtain Consent?
The Landlord and Tenants Acts require that the landlord may not unreasonably withhold permission for such changes to take place.
This is particularly true if the changes are required to be made to comply with some statutory requirements. Licence for Alterations will include details about the works that the landlord requires the tenants to comply with, this may include things like working hours, noise levels, and how waste should be handled.
Timing Should Be Considered
When it comes to works that want to be carried out before occupying a property then it is important to consider the timings of when the works are carried out in relation to when the lease starts.
You also need to consider things like removals, purchases of new equipment, installation of fixtures and fittings. You will also need to consider whether the lease has a reinstatement clause.
This would mean that you are required to restore the property to the condition that it was in before you moved into the property. This means that it may cost you to restore the property, though if your works have substantially improved the property no doubt an agreement can be reached with the landlord to wave this clause.
Problems
If you fail to adhere to these requirements, then it could require a significant additional cost and delay you occupying the property. It could also significantly impact your ability to sell the property after you have finished your occupation of it.
If you’d like to discuss the Licence for Alterations get in touch with us today and we happy to help.
