Licence for works

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When tenants or property owners wish to make alterations to a leasehold owned property, a licence for works is often required.

This formal document grants permission from the landlord or relevant authority to carry out specific alterations or improvements, ensuring that the proposed works comply with legal, structural, and property-specific requirements. Without obtaining a licence for works, tenants risk breaching their lease terms, leading to disputes and potential financial consequences.

Obtaining this licence ensures that any changes made to the property are in line with the landlord’s expectations, consents and the overall condition of the building. It also provides clarity on who is responsible for any resulting repairs, reinstatements or insurance after the works are completed.

What is a licence for works?

A licence for works is a legal document that grants a tenant or leasehold property owner permission to undertake specific modifications, alterations or improvements to a property. The licence outlines the scope of the work, conditions that must be met, and any obligations relating to the repair, restoration, insurance or maintenance of the property after the works are finished. Whether the proposed changes are cosmetic or structural, the licence ensures that both parties—tenant and landlord—are clear about the nature of the alterations and their responsibilities.

The licence helps protect the property’s structural integrity and ensures that any alterations comply with building regulations, health and safety standards, and other legal requirements.

Richard Hughes

Richard Hughes

Partner | Commercial Property, Real Estate, Real Estate Finance

020 3962 5855

How we can help you

At Moore Barlow, we provide expert legal guidance on obtaining a licence for works. Our team can assist both landlords and tenants in drafting and negotiating the terms of the licence to ensure that all obligations are clearly defined and legally enforceable. We work closely with you to ensure that the licence covers the full scope of the proposed works, including timelines, responsibilities for repairs, and the potential need for reinstatement at the end of the tenancy.

For tenants, we ensure that the licence safeguards your ability to make necessary improvements without compromising your lease. For landlords, we help draft clear terms that protect the value and condition of your property while allowing tenants the flexibility to improve the premises.

Why choose us

With extensive experience in commercial property law, we understand the complexities involved in licences for works. Our legal team takes a tailored approach to each case, ensuring that every detail of the licence is carefully considered and aligned with your needs. We focus on clarity, ensuring that both landlords and tenants fully understand their rights and obligations under the licence.

We offer proactive, client-focused solutions that minimise the risk of disputes, ensuring that all proposed works are completed in compliance with the lease and legal standards. Our expertise ensures that you have peace of mind throughout the process, knowing that your interests are fully protected.

We are here to help

Discover how our expert property lawyers can help you.

Who we help

We assist a wide range of clients, from commercial tenants planning alterations to their properties to landlords looking to ensure that modifications are carried out without compromising their investment. Our services are tailored to both residential and commercial sectors, ensuring that no matter the nature of the proposed works, we provide the legal expertise to guide you through the process.

Contact us

If you’re planning property modifications and need advice on obtaining a licence for works, or if you’re a landlord approached with a request for works on your property, Moore Barlow’s experienced solicitors are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and learn how we can guide you through the process with expert legal support.

We are here to help

Discover how our expert property lawyers can help you.

Contact our commercial property team

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