COMMERCIAL LANDLORD AND TENNANT

LICENCE FOR ALTERATIONS

If you are renting (or own a long leasehold interest in) a commercial property you may want to carry out structural and/or nonstructural works to the property. It is common for there to be certain provisions in your lease dealing with such works, such as the requirement for the landlord’s consent before making any changes. Our team of experts can assist when it comes to license for alternations.

If you would like to discuss any of our services with us, feel free to contact us using the form below or give us a call at 0161 669 4621 for a free no obligation chat. We look forward to assisting you with your legal concerns.

BIRCH LAW. For businesses and individuals. PROBLEM SOLVERS, EXCEPTIONAL ADVICE, CLIENT FOCUSED, UNRIVALLED VALUE FOR MONEY.

HOW CAN BIRCH LAW HELP?

If you would like any further information or need advice about any dispute, please get in touch with us today. You can contact us today on 0161 669 4621 or by email on sbirchall@birchlaw.co.uk for a free no obligation chat.

How do I know if I need a licence for alterations?

This depends on the scope of the intended works and the clause in your lease. The most common alterations which typically require a licence to alter include:

Altering the structure of the property.
Making internal alterations to the layout.
Installing new sanitary facilities.
Changing windows or entrance doors.
Installing a new heating or alternative service installations.

The above is by no means an exhaustive list and you will need to check the specific clauses in your lease. If the lease does not contain any specific clauses relating to alterations, it may be possible to carry out the works without the need for a formal licence for alterations.

What is the procedure for obtaining a licence for alterations?

You will need to notify your landlord of the proposed works and typically provide technical drawings. Once your landlord has agreed in principle, you will need to instruct a solicitor to agree terms and complete the licence for alterations. The document is usually prepared by the landlord’s solicitor, and the tenant is expected to meet the landlord’s legal and survey costs as well as its own.

A licence for alterations will typically contain obligations in respect of the following:

A timescale for commencement and/or completion of the works.
A requirement that works will be carried out in compliance with planning and building regulations, and in accordance with good working practices.
To seek consent from the building insurer and meet the cost of any additional premium prior to commencement of works.

What are the consequences of not obtaining a licence for alterations?

If the lease stipulates that landlord’s consent is required but works are carried out without obtaining such consent, this will be a breach of the terms of the lease and the landlord may take enforcement action. If works have been carried out without consent, a future buyer may require you to obtain retrospective consent which may be more costly and delay the sale transaction or, request that you meet the cost of indemnity insurance for lack of consent.

Fixed fee for licence for alterations.

At Birch Law we offer a fixed fee service for dealing with licences to alter. For landlords we can prepare and make any necessary amendments to a licence to alter for the sum of £750 plus VAT. For tenants we can review and make any necessary amendments to a licence to alter for the sum of £500 plus VAT.

How Birch Law can help?

At Birch Law we have in-depth knowledge of all aspects of commercial property law to help you achieve your business objectives. We have a breadth of experience in preparing and negotiating licences to alter. For a free no obligation chat please feel free to contact us on 0161 669 4621 or by email at sbirchall@birchlaw.co.uk.

Whichever funding route you choose, you can rest assure that our experienced solicitors will always do their utmost to keep costs as low as possible. If you would like to discuss any of our services with us, feel free to contact us using the form below or give us a call at 0161 669 4621 for a free no obligation chat.

HOW WE CAN HELP YOU

BOOK A TIME TO DISCUSS YOUR MATTER

Please complete our online enquiry form or contact us at sbirchall@birchlaw.co.uk for your free 30 minute consultation. You will be able to choose a time and date that works for you.

MEET WITH ONE OF OUR ADVISORS

Meet with one of our advisors on MS Teams, Zoom, by telephone or in person. They will find out about your legal needs and discuss how best we can help you. We will set out your options and provide transparent costs information so you can make an informed decision as to how you want to proceed.

IMPLEMENT

Once we have agreed on the correct course of action for you, we will then implement and execute your instructions.