At Payte Architects London, we proudly help leasehold property owners with the License to Alter process. We are the go-to specialists in London for this service. To change your flat, move plumbing, or make major updates, you likely need a Licence to Alter from your landlord. This requirement isn’t just a box to tick. It’s a key legal protection for leaseholders and freeholders alike.
We help clients in London and the rest of the UK. We guide them from the first idea and lease review to the final sign-off and project completion.
Our full service includes:
• Architectural design
• Technical documents
• Direct contact with managing agents, landlords, surveyors, and legal teams
If you’re looking to save time, avoid costly missteps, and make your renovation legally compliant, Payte Architects London is here to help.
What is a License to Alter?
A License to Alter is a legal agreement between a leaseholder and a freeholder (or landlord). It gives permission to make changes to a leasehold property. The license includes everything: the proposed works, technical requirements, terms, and legal conditions.
Many people think they can make changes inside their homes freely. However, most leases have clauses called covenants. These clauses limit what you can do without the landlord’s clear permission. If you go ahead without a license, you might break your lease. This could lead to legal issues, need repairs, or cause problems when selling the property.
The License to Alter is fundamentally a protective measure. It makes sure that your property changes do not harm the building’s structure, safety, or value. It also offers a clear record of approved changes. Future owners, mortgage lenders, and surveyors can refer to this record. This can be important for refinancing or reselling the property.
This document is often needed for many home improvements.
This covers changes to the structure, plumbing, and electrics. It also includes layout changes and any work that affects shared spaces, walls, or other leaseholders. Landlords often ignore applications that lack detailed architectural drawings and technical documents. This includes items like a method statement and structural calculations.
Importantly, a License to Alter is separate from planning permission or building control approval. The License to Alter focuses on your duties as a leaseholder. This license highlights your specific responsibilities. Following building codes and local planning rules is also important. Failing to obtain one, even if you have planning permission, can still result in serious consequences under the terms of your lease.
At Payte Architects London, we create all the documents needed for the license. This includes architectural drawings, method statements, structural reports, and technical specifications. We also work directly with the landlord’s surveyor and legal teams. This helps make negotiations easier, lightens your load, and speeds up the approval process.
When Do I Need a License to Alter?
You usually need a License to Alter if your lease has a qualified covenant. This is a clause that limits changes without written permission. This is extremely common in London and applies to both purpose-built and converted properties.
You’ll likely need a License to Alter for:
• Moving or adding bathrooms or kitchens
• Altering structural elements (e.g., removing a load-bearing wall)
• Installing new doors or windows
• Reconfiguring room layouts
• Adding soundproofing or new flooring
• Loft conversions or extensions
• Moving plumbing, waste, or electrical routes
You may not need one for:
• Painting and decorating
• Minor, non-structural cosmetic work (but even this should be checked)
Every lease is different. At Payte Architects London, we start each project with a lease review. This helps us check if a license is needed and what the conditions are.
License to Alter Cost
Typical Cost Breakdown:
• Freeholder Legal Fees: £1,000–£3,000
• Freeholder Surveyor Fees: £800–£2,500
• Architectural Documentation: £1,000–£6,000 (depending on difficulty)
• Optional Leaseholder Legal Review: £500–£1,500
• Managing Agent Administration Fees: £250–£500
Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas may require additional consultancy.
We save money by delivering complete and compliant documents right from the beginning. This approach reduces revisions, delays, and disputes.
License to Alter Share of Freehold
If you own a share of the freehold, you may assume you’re exempt from needing formal approval. In reality, you often still need a license or written consent. This is especially true in buildings where leaseholders work together as the freeholder through a company or trust.
Unique challenges in share-of-freehold setups:
• Gaining unanimous or majority consent from co-freeholders
• Navigating informal or undocumented approval processes
• Maintaining legal clarity for future sales and remortgages
We help coordinate all relevant parties, draft clear proposals, and document consent appropriately. Our architects in London guides you through the process. This includes getting director-level sign-off or a full shareholder agreement.
License to Alter UK
License to Alter requirements are mostly in London, where leasehold flats are usual. However, they apply throughout the UK. If you live in a flat, especially in a block or a converted property, your lease probably has rules about changes.
Regional variations exist:
• Freeholders outside London may be private individuals, not managing companies
• Lease wording may differ in older buildings
• Local authority planning policies may vary
Regardless of location, leaseholders must follow the terms of their lease. We help clients from Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow, and more. Our London office provides support across the country.
How Long Should a License to Alter Take?
On average, the License to Alter process takes 4 to 12 weeks. Delays can happen for a few reasons: missing information, slow legal or surveyor reviews, or stalled negotiations. Our goal is to expedite the process by preparing a full submission pack in advance.
Ideal Timeline:
• Week 1–2: Lease review, site survey, design proposals
• Week 3: Submission to landlord/agent
• Week 4–6: Surveyor appointment and queries
• Week 7–9: Legal negotiation
• Week 10–12: Sign-off and approval
We often help clients meet deadlines. We do this for contractor start dates or sale completions by communicating proactively.
How Do I Get a Licence for Alterations?
Getting a license for alterations takes careful planning. It requires teamwork and a good grasp of lease rules, landlord wishes, and building standards. We offer a full service that makes every step easier.
Our Process in Detail:
• Initial Consultation: We begin with a meeting to discuss your plans, goals, and timeline. We also help identify whether your plans are likely to require a license under your lease terms.
• Lease Review: We check your lease to see which changes need approval. Each lease is unique. Some need landlord approval for small changes, but others are more flexible.
• Feasibility Assessment: We assess whether the proposed alterations are likely to be approved. This step may involve reviewing structural feasibility, noise impact, or drainage limitations. We can provide different design options if needed. These options work better with lease and planning limits.
• Architectural Drawings: We create clear plans that show how the current layout compares to the new design. These drawings help the freeholder and their surveyor see the scope and impact of the works.
• Method Statement: This important document in the submission pack explains how the work will be done. It covers how you will manage noise, dust, debris, access routes, and any temporary disruptions. Freeholders want to be sure the project won’t damage the building or create too much hassle for other residents.
• Engineering Documents (if needed): If the work has structural parts, we provide calculations and specs. This includes steel beam layouts, load assessments, and connection details.
• Submission to Freeholder: We gather all documents into a neat application pack. Then, we send it to the landlord, managing agent, or their chosen surveyor. We ensure that nothing is omitted, which helps reduce the likelihood of delay.
• Surveyor Interaction: Most freeholders will appoint a surveyor to review your proposals. We liaise directly with them, respond to queries promptly, and revise documents if needed. This collaborative approach can significantly accelerate the review process.
• Legal Drafting and Negotiation: Once the surveyor agrees, the landlord’s legal team writes the License to Alter document. We work with your solicitor to review the draft, clarify clauses, and agree on any needed changes.
• Final Approval and Execution: After the legal document is signed by all parties, the license is issued. You can now start work, but follow any conditions in the agreement. This includes inspections during or after construction.
Optional Post-Approval Support:
We can help with building control sign-offs, coordinate contractors, and provide the final reports needed by the freeholder after completion.
We handle everything in-house. This way, they avoid communication gaps and reduce delays in approvals.
We help you skip costly mistakes, get faster approvals, and make sure your work meets your lease and legal needs.
License to Alter Submissions
A complete submission pack will usually include:
• Existing and proposed layout drawings
• Structural calculations and steel specifications
• Method statements and risk assessments
• Details of temporary access, working hours, and noise control
• Evidence of insurance cover and contractor qualifications
Incomplete or poorly presented submissions can trigger lengthy back-and-forth. We create clear, professional documents that managing agents and landlord surveyors widely accept.
Permissions for License to Alter
A License to Alter focuses on the bond between the leaseholder and the freeholder. It makes sure that any changes to the property get legal approval according to the lease terms. Getting a License to Alter doesn’t mean you can start building work right away. You may need extra permissions and legal requirements based on your project’s nature and scope.
1. Planning Permission
You need planning permission if your changes affect the building’s outside look. This also applies if the property is in a conservation area or is a listed building. This might include extensions, new windows, skylights, or changes to the building’s façade. Even internal alterations might require planning approval if they impact listed features. Remember, getting a License to Alter doesn’t replace the need for planning consent. Both approvals may be necessary and must be sought in parallel.
2. Building Control Approval
Building Regulations approval comes from local authority Building Control or private inspectors. This process makes sure construction work meets legal standards. These standards cover structural safety, fire safety, thermal efficiency, and drainage. Projects that change the structure, like taking out a load-bearing wall, need approval. This also applies to plumbing or electrical work. Landlords often ask for a certificate of completion when the work is finished. This document shows that the work meets national safety standards.
3. Party Wall Agreements
If your work affects a shared wall between flats or terraced houses, you may need to notify under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. You need to formally tell your nearby neighbours about your plans. Sometimes, surveyors need to be hired to create a Party Wall Award. This is a legal agreement that protects you and your neighbours during construction. Failure to obtain a party wall agreement could result in legal disputes or claims for damage.
4. Freeholder-Specific Permissions
Some landlords impose additional requirements such as:
• Noise management plans
• Working hours restrictions
• Contractor insurance certificates
• Fire strategy documentation (especially in multi-storey buildings)
Our team helps clients by spotting the needed permissions early on. We work together on planning permission, building regulations, party wall notices, and your Licence to Alter.
This way, we avoid delays and last-minute surprises.
Failing to account for these overlapping permissions can derail even the best-planned renovation. Having a team that understands all the legal and technical steps boosts your confidence. You can be sure your project meets every requirement.
Payte Architects London helps you know what permissions you need. They make sure these are handled during the licensing process.
Applying for a License to Alter
Applying for a Licence to Alter may seem tough. But with good preparation and expert help, it can be easy, quick, and legally safe. Whether you’re installing a new bathroom, converting a loft, or opening up spaces, knowing how to apply correctly is essential.
The first step is to review your lease in detail. Most leases include clauses that limit changes. You must get written permission from the freeholder first.
These clauses can be:
• Absolute (no changes allowed)
• Qualified (changes allowed with consent)
• Fully permissive (rare)
Usually, you will handle qualified covenants. They permit changes if you follow the right procedures.
Once you know a license is needed, the next step is to prepare your proposal. This includes clear architectural drawings that show the current layout and the proposed layout. These drawings must show all the work involved. They should explain any changes to structures, plumbing, or electrical systems. Also, they need to mention how these updates affect shared walls or common areas.
Freeholders may request the following from you:
• Structural calculations from an engineer
• A detailed method statement
• Plans for managing noise, debris, access, and working hours
It’s also important to consider your freeholder’s preferences and processes. Many use managing agents or third-party surveyors to process applications. These experts will check your documents. They will make sure the planned work won’t harm the building’s integrity or disturb other residents. Choosing an architect, like Payte Architects London, can help your application meet or exceed the required standards.
In our experience, one of the most common reasons for delay is a piecemeal submission. Submitting incomplete or poorly structured documents causes extra requests, added fees, and lost time. We tackle this by creating a full submission pack right from the start. This pack includes architectural plans, specifications, risk assessments, and builder credentials.
Applying for a License to Alter
Top Tips for a Smooth Application:
• Start early. Even a simple approval can take weeks. Start the process well before your desired construction date.
• Know your lease. Every lease is different, and even similar flats in the same building may have different terms.
• Work with professionals. Submissions from qualified architects are more likely to be accepted with few changes.
• Be proactive. Talk to your managing agent, neighbours, or fellow shareholders early on—this is key in shared freehold situations.
• Submit a full application. Include all plans, methods, risk management, and legal disclosures in your initial pack.
• Expect revisions. Even with a perfect submission, you may be asked to make small adjustments for compliance or clarity.
We’ve helped clients get approval for a range of projects. This includes bathroom upgrades, kitchen relocations, full internal reconfigurations, and loft conversions. No matter your project scope, a proactive and professional approach will give you the best chance of a fast, cost-effective outcome. Let us guide you through the application with clarity and confidence.
Planning Permission vs License to Alter
It’s important to understand the difference between these two distinct types of permission:
License to Alter:
• Landlord approval as required by your lease
• Governed by private law (contractual agreement)
• Typically applies to internal works but may extend to structural/external changes
Planning Permission:
• Local authority approval under public planning law
• Focused on external changes, conservation areas, and listed buildings
• Separate process, often with longer timelines
In many cases, both are required. A rear extension on a leasehold flat needs planning permission from the council. It also requires a License to Alter from the freeholder.