Spinningfields

In this licence to alter case study, a leaseholder decided to carry out alterations to his apartment in order to create two separate dwellings. The works – which went ahead without reference to the managing agent, the landlord or neighbouring properties – incorporated changes to the wet footprint and removal of walls. Potential fire compartmentation issues became apparent.

The lease had an absolute covenant in place (see our blog on licence to alter lease terms) in respect of alterations. Our surveyor’s advice to the landlord was to turn down retrospective consent and insist on the apartment being returned to its original condition. This advice was accepted by the client and a valuable lesson was learned by the leaseholder.