License to Alter
If the leaseholder intends to carry out structural works, changes windows, inclusion or
re-position of wet areas or changing floor coverings from soft to hard coverings; it is
likely their works would require a License to Alteration under the terms of the Lease .
Working closely with the freeholder, their solicitor and leaseholder we ensure the
smooth obtaining of a License for Alteration where one is required. From the initial
review of the design and Lease we identify whether the works would require a license
to alter from the freeholder.
We then request the necessary information, once in receipt of the information which
would include method statements and possible structural design. We produce a
specification of the works and drawings if requested. If required by the Leaseholder
we can deal with requests for any security deposits on behalf of the freeholder to be
placed in an independent escrow account.
In order to prevent and limit disputes. We can carry out schedules of condition in
conjunction with the freeholder’s surveyor of the building fabric in close proximity
and finalise the content of the conditions of the License for Alteration.
Once we are content with the information in the License the Freeholder’s solicitor
would issue to both parties for agreement and signature. The work can subsequently
commence subject to any conditions in the License.
The freeholder’s solicitor would issue a draft license for alteration to both parties
surveyor’s for agreement and signature. We would check the draft agreement to ensure
that the contents of the agreement were fair to both parties before recommending the
leaseholder to agree and sign.
It is not recommended that works progress without a license. Unauthorised works can
usually be flagged up by the prospective buyer’s solicitor, stalling sales, affecting
value and the likelihood of re-finance.
If works are carried out and completed without a License agreement a freeholder can
legally insist to reinstate the property to its previous layout and condition.
The leaseholder is usually responsible for the fees incurred the Freeholder in granting
a license by way of his solicitor and surveyor.
Additionally, we can offer services of managing the works on behalf the leaseholder.