Construction work that requires a Licence for Alterations (also known as a “Licence to Alter“) varies. Ultimately it is dependant, on the lease terms and its requirements. In most cases, the wording of your lease will mean the leaseholder is required to obtain their freeholder’s written consent, in advance of commencing works. It is pertinent for a leaseholder, to comply with the specified lease alteration requirements. If you choose to ignore these, you will be in breach of the lease and could be asked to reinstate the property to its previous form.
Changing the properties windows will often require a Licence to Alter from the freeholder.
Changing the property floor coverings will often require a Licence for Alterations from the freeholder. Your Freeholder may require soundproofing underlay, waterproof barriers and acoustic testing
Both adding or changing a bathroom or kitchen’s location will often require a Licence to Alter from the freeholder. Your freeholder will usually request your works are undertaken by safety qualified professionals, as well as providing the relevant certificates.
Changes to the layout, the removal of load-bearing walls, chimney breasts, or creating openings within walls will often require a Licence for Alterations from the freeholder. Your Freeholder will usually request Surveyor input, proof of Contractor insurance, Structural Calculations/Engineer input and that the works are in line with building regulations.
Service Alterations include water, electricity and gas. They will often require a Licence to Alter from the freeholder. Your freeholder will usually request your works are undertaken by safety qualified professionals, as well as providing the relevant certificates.
This could be any works that are of non-structural nature. Ultimately it is dependant, on the lease terms and its requirements.
We believe that Licence for Alterations costs should be transparent. in order to obtain a fixed cost, please get in touch with our Surveying team who will be happy to advise.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is one of the world's largest and most influential professional bodies that regulates and promotes the property surveying profession. With a Royal Charter since 1881. Within our team, we have both RICS Registered Party Wall Surveyors, Valuers and RICS Accredited Mediators.
The Chartered Institute of Building is the world's largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership. With a Royal Charter since 1834 to promote the science and practice of building and construction for the benefit of society.
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators is the world’s leading qualification and professional body for dispute avoidance and dispute management. With a Royal Charter since1979.
Chartered Association of Building Engineers
A Building Engineer is a competent, professionally qualified, experienced individual with a critical understanding of the interaction of buildings and people. Building Engineers collaborate to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors is one of the world’s largest and most influential professional bodies that regulates and promotes the property surveying profession. With a Royal Charter since 1881. Within our team, we have both RICS Registered Party Wall Surveyors, Valuers and RICS Accredited Mediators.
The Chartered Institute of Building is the world’s largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership. With a Royal Charter since 1834 to promote the science and practice of building and construction for the benefit of society.
The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators is the world’s leading qualification and professional body for dispute avoidance and dispute management. With a Royal Charter since1979.
Chartered Association of Building Engineers
A Building Engineer is a competent, professionally qualified, experienced individual with a critical understanding of the interaction of buildings and people. Building Engineers collaborate to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) specialises in mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). We are an independent non-profit organisation and a registered charity.
The independent quality assurance process of Valuer Registration, reinforces the highest professional standards. Valuer Registration is a risk monitoring and quality assurance programme which checks compliance with the RICS Red Book.
All Accredited Mediators included on the register will have successfully completed training with RICS or a training provider that meets the requirements of the Civil Mediation Council.
The Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) specialises in mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). We are an independent non-profit organisation and a registered charity.
The independent quality assurance process of Valuer Registration, reinforces the highest professional standards. Valuer Registration is a risk monitoring and quality assurance programme which checks compliance with the RICS Red Book.
All Accredited Mediators included on the register will have successfully completed training with RICS or a training provider that meets the requirements of the Civil Mediation Council.
This depends on the works taking place, the available construction information, and the freeholder’s Solicitor or Surveyor.
We usually inspect the property within 3 days of instruction. Once complete if the required information is in place and the freeholder’s side accommodates a prompt turnaround, we could complete the licence within 7 days.
You are not required to notify your neighbours, from a legal perspective. However, we advise informing neighbours, this is both neighbourly and beneficial in the long term. If preferred we can do this on your behalf, ensuring neighbourly relationships are upheld.
In short, it depends on the planned construction works.
In any case, we recommend the following information is available:
Each case is different, for a complete answer please get in touch and we will advise on the specific information required.
We will, our service includes pre, during, and post-construction work communications, with the freeholder and the neighbouring owners.
