Expert Solicitors for Alteration Rights Negotiations

A licence to alter is a formal document that grants a tenant permission to carry out specific alterations to the premises. It typically sets out the scope of permitted works, conditions that must be met, and reinstatement obligations. Our alteration rights negotiations solicitors draft comprehensive licences to alter that protect both parties' interests.

Generally, no. Most commercial leases prohibit alterations without landlord consent. Making unauthorised alterations can result in breach of lease, financial penalties, and requirements to undo works at your expense. Our commercial lease review solicitors advise on what is permitted and help obtain necessary consents before works commence.

Minor alterations are typically non-structural changes that do not affect the building's fabric or services, such as decorating, installing demountable partitions, or changing fixtures. Major alterations involve structural changes, mechanical and electrical works, or anything affecting the building's exterior. Major alterations usually require more stringent consent requirements and may need planning permission. Our lease term negotiations solicitors negotiate clear definitions of these categories in your lease.

This depends on your lease terms. Many commercial leases require tenants to reinstate premises to their original condition at lease end. However, this can be negotiated. Our dilapidations solicitors help negotiate practical reinstatement provisions, including schedules of condition that limit reinstatement obligations and negotiate exceptions for beneficial alterations.

The timeline varies depending on complexity and landlord responsiveness. Straightforward applications may take 2-4 weeks, while complex major alterations requiring detailed specifications, building regulations consent, and planning permission can take several months. Our alteration rights negotiations solicitors work efficiently to progress applications while ensuring all necessary requirements are met.

Yes, landlords can refuse consent for alterations, particularly if the proposed works might affect the building's structure, value, or future marketability. However, landlords must act reasonably and cannot unreasonably withhold consent. Our tenant negotiation solicitors can challenge unreasonable refusals and negotiate acceptable alternatives.

Landlords typically require evidence of adequate contractor insurance, including public liability and professional indemnity cover. You may also need your own works insurance. Our solicitors advise on appropriate insurance requirements and ensure these are clearly set out in the licence to alter, protecting both parties throughout the works process.

Costs depend on complexity and whether you are acting for a tenant or landlord. We offer transparent, fixed-fee quotes for licence to alter drafting and alteration negotiations. For details on our legal fees, please contact our team. Professional legal advice helps avoid costly disputes and ensures your interests are properly protected.