A licence to alter can be tricky enough to obtain at the best of times. It is important to make sure that you experiment with what is on offer and check out all of the options. One of the areas where the license to alter tends to run into the most problems is when it comes to floor coverings.
Understanding what it is that you need to know about this type of floor covering is a good idea to make sure that you can get the best experience when it comes to changing them, because there’s something that you will need to keep in mind.
General Rules?
Right, so there are a few general rules that you need to keep in mind if you’re going to get the best possible results when it comes to changing floor coverings.
Usually, most of the leases that you have to sign will stop you from being able to change the carpet to something different, like for example, limo or timber flooring.
Despite this, you’ll find that there are going to be a lot of places which have been exposed to the hardwood flooring, and they didn’t get a licence for altering.
Noise Transmission
There’s a couple of reasons for this. First of all, you need to understand that it’s got a lot to do with noise transmission. What we need to establish is that when it comes to carpet floor coverings, the noise transmission is a lot lower when compared to a hard floor.
Basically, the leases were drafted with this specific detail in mind. They were put into place to protect the tenants above or below from having to deal with excess noise on a regular basis.
What you need to make sure that you also understand is that when it comes to advancements in building materials and other such options, a sound insulating underlay can be fitted which will prevent the noise transmission at the same same level as a carpet would.
Functionally, it means that you can occasionally bypass the need for a licence to alter but it is not something which we would recommend that you do. Instead, you should look into getting the permission of a landlord or other authority, because they will be able to advise you with a little more clarity.
Final Thoughts
So, as you can probably tell, people get caught out most often by the changing of floor coverings. It is important to consult with a freeholder in this regard because they will be able to give you targeted and professional advice on what to do for the best.
This makes them a useful resource to have, and one which you should consider using regularly. It is important to seek permission before you start making serious changes to a property because you do not know what you will be allowed and not allowed to do. You do not want to violate your lease at all – this will not go well.
If you would like to discuss Licences with our team of Surveyors here at Stokemont, give us a call or get in touch here and we will be more than happy to assist you.
