Do you need a licence for alterations solicitor in London?
At TV Edwards, our specialist commercial property solicitors advise on licences for alterations, guiding you through the legal process of obtaining your landlord’s consent for works to your premises, clearly and efficiently from start to finish.
Whatever your plans are, we’re here to simplify the process and ensure that your business is legally protected.
Understanding Licence for Alterations
A licence for alterations is a legal agreement that means that leaseholders can make changes to their commercial property, provided they get their landlord’s consent.
It’s normal for a lease to prohibit a tenant from carrying out any structural alterations or additions to a property, while others allow non-structural changes with consent. In most cases, a landlord cannot unreasonably withhold or delay their consent.
The licence ensures that all works are completed within an agreed timeframe (generally from 6 to 12 months) once the necessary planning permissions have been granted. It will also confirm that all planning, design, and construction laws are observed and the works are reviewed by the landlord’s professional advisers before anything gets started.
Our specialist licence to alter solicitors will draft and negotiate these terms on our clients’ behalf, making sure everything ticks along smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance with lease obligations.
Furthermore, we also assist with deeds of variation, which are there for landlords and tenants to agree formal changes to the terms of an existing lease, such as extending its length or adjusting restrictions. You can rely on us for clear, practical advice and communication throughout the whole process.
Why Licences for Alterations Matter
Securing a licence to alter commercial property or deed of variation always requires a lot of careful legal handling if the involved parties want to avoid property disputes or delays. Without the proper documentation, even well-intentioned alterations could breach your lease, which in turn could lead to costly consequences.
Our London-based licence to alter solicitors make sure every term is transparent, fair, and fully compliant with your lease and with the relevant laws. We focus on protecting client interests while minimising friction in the process, giving you peace of mind that your project is in safe hands.
When to Seek Legal Advice
It’s always recommended that you seek legal advice from a licence to alter solicitor early, and ideally before you start planning or discussing any proposed works. We’ll have a look at your lease, highlight any restrictions, and guide you through securing landlord consent and meeting all legal requirements.
During your consultations, you’ll get tailored, straightforward advice that helps you achieve your goals, whether you’re fitting out new office space, updating signage, or negotiating broader lease changes. With early legal input, you’re putting yourself in a strong position to avoid setbacks.
Contact us today to see how we can help.
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Our Approach to Licences to Alterations
At TV Edwards, our licence to alter solicitors make the process of obtaining a licence to alter commercial property or deed of variation as smooth and straightforward as they possibly can. We take care of every stage of the process, from landlord negotiations and agreement drafting to ensuring our clients maintain compliance with planning, design, and construction regulations.
Most licences for alterations are completed within 6 to 12 months, though this naturally will depend on the scope of the works and the approval process of the landlord. Throughout, you’ll have a dedicated solicitor keeping you informed with clear, friendly updates so you always know what stage your matter is at. Our goal is to make every lease alteration seamless, stress-free, and fully compliant.
Collaborative Expertise
Our London licence to alter solicitors work in collaboration with landlords, surveyors, architects, and planning authorities to achieve quick, practical outcomes.
We handle the legal details so you can focus on your project, whether that’s fitting out new office space or updating rental premises. Where challenges arise – such as restrictive lease clauses or delays in getting consent from the landlord – we will act quickly to find a solution.
We have deep experience across commercial property law and do everything in our power to keep your alterations moving forward without disruption. That’s why businesses and leaseholders across the UK trust TV Edwards to manage their cases with precision and care.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
- Highly ranked in legal directories – We’re recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers UK
- Proven success – Extensive experience supporting first-time buyers, investors, and businesses
- Satisfied clients – Consistently excellent client feedback and a high level of repeat business and referrals
- Cost-effective solutions – Clear, upfront estimates and practical solutions to keep costs manageable
- Client-first approach – Direct access to your solicitor, approachable guidance, and honest advice
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Licence for Alterations Solicitors FAQs
What is a licence for alterations and why do I need one?
A licence for alterations will give the leaseholder formal permission from their landlord to make specific changes to a commercial property.
Without this document, even minor works could be in breach of the lease. Our solicitors make sure all the works are properly approved and legally compliant, which will protect you from disputes or penalties.
How long does it take to obtain a licence for alterations?
You can expect the licence to be completed within 6 to 12 months, though timing will depend on factors like landlord responsiveness and the required planning permissions.
We coordinate with all parties in order to minimise delays to keep the project on track.
What’s the difference between a licence for alterations and a deed of variation?
A licence to alter commercial property gives permission to make changes, while a deed of variation actually changes the lease terms themselves.
For example, extending the lease, allowing subletting, or altering permitted uses would all be examples of deeds of variation. Our team can advise whether your situation requires one or both documents.
Can a landlord refuse a licence for alterations?
In most commercial leases, landlords are unable to unreasonably withhold or delay consent for a licence for alterations.
Nonetheless, they are entitled to review your plans and impose reasonable conditions. Our solicitors will negotiate firmly and constructively on your behalf to get consent as quickly as they can.
When should I contact a solicitor about a licence to alter?
Ideally, you should contact a solicitor before you start planning or instructing your contractors.
With early legal advice, you can identify any restrictions and be sure that your landlord’s consent is properly documented from the outset. Acting early will save time, money, and potential disputes down the line.
Contact us today to get started.
