Getting a Licence for Alterations approved is rarely about “arguing your case” — it’s about making it easy for the freeholder/managing agent to say yes by presenting a clear, low-risk proposal with the right paperwork. Most refusals and delays happen because the application is incomplete, the scope is unclear, or the landlord is worried about risk to the building and other residents.
Below are practical, proven tips that help applications progress faster and with fewer disputes.
(General guidance only, not legal advice. Always check your lease wording and your building’s specific requirements.)
1) Start with the lease wording (don’t assume)
Before you spend money on builders, confirm:
- what your lease actually restricts (structural vs non-structural, flooring, wet areas, external works)
- whether consent is qualified or fully qualified (“not unreasonably withheld”)
Why it helps: You avoid proposing works the lease prohibits or missing a clause (flooring is the classic one people overlook).
2) Speak to the managing agent early and ask for their “licence pack” requirements
Most agents/freeholders have a checklist. Ask for:
- the application form (if they use one)
- required documents
- minimum insurance levels
- working hour restrictions
- deposit requirements (if any)
- how long the process usually takes
Why it helps: It prevents rework and stops your application bouncing back for “missing information”.
3) Submit a “decision-ready” application pack (this is the biggest win)
A strong pack usually includes:
Core documents (almost always needed)
- clear scope of works (1–2 pages)
- existing/proposed drawings (as appropriate)
- specifications (materials/finishes)
- method statement and programme
- contractor details + insurances (public liability, employer’s liability)
Add-ons (often required depending on the works)
- structural engineer details/calcs for wall removals/openings/steels
- acoustic underlay spec for hard flooring
- details of drainage/vent routes for kitchen/bathroom moves
- fire stopping approach where penetrations occur
- building control route (where applicable)
Why it helps: Landlords are risk managers. If you answer their risk questions upfront, you reduce delay and refusals.
4) Be crystal clear on what you are not doing
A common freeholder fear is scope creep (“today it’s a new kitchen, tomorrow they’re knocking walls down”).
In your description, explicitly state:
- no structural works (if true)
- no changes to external appearance (if true)
- no relocation of wet areas (if true)
- no works to communal services/risers (if true)
Why it helps: It narrows the risk and makes consent easier.
5) Use competent contractors and show proof
Freeholders are far more relaxed when they see:
- an established contractor
- relevant experience
- clear insurance certificates
- willingness to follow building rules (hours, protection, waste removal)
Why it helps: Consent decisions are heavily influenced by confidence in execution.
6) Address noise, nuisance, and neighbour impact properly
In blocks of flats, neighbour complaints are the fastest way for an application to stall.
Include in your method statement:
- proposed working hours (and adherence to building rules)
- dust and vibration control
- protection of communal areas (lift/corridor coverings, daily cleaning)
- waste removal plan (no communal dumping)
- delivery and storage arrangements
Why it helps: It shows you understand communal living and reduces management risk.
7) If you’re installing hard flooring, treat acoustics as the headline issue
Hard flooring is one of the most common triggers for refusal/disputes.
Do this properly:
- propose a recognised acoustic underlay system
- include product data sheets
- confirm installation method and perimeter detailing
- if the lease/building requires testing, plan for it
Why it helps: It removes the most common reason landlords and neighbours object.
8) If you’re changing kitchens/bathrooms, show you’ve controlled water risk
Water escape affects multiple flats and creates big claims.
Your pack should show:
- where the plumbing will run
- what waterproofing/sealing approach will be used
- who is responsible for testing and commissioning
- how penetrations will be sealed and made good
- confirmation of shut-off/isolations (where relevant)
Why it helps: It addresses the biggest financial risk in most blocks.
9) Budget for (and accept) landlord fees and conditions — but keep them reasonable
It is common for leaseholders to pay:
- the landlord’s surveyor fees
- legal fees to draft the licence
- admin fees
- deposits for common parts protection
You can still be professional and ask for clarity:
- what the fees cover
- whether the solicitor/surveyor charges are fixed or hourly
- estimated totals
Why it helps: Surprise costs cause disputes. Transparency keeps it calm.
10) Don’t start works until the licence is signed
Starting early can:
- put you in immediate breach of lease
- trigger enforcement action
- sour negotiations
- make your eventual licence more expensive and restrictive
Why it helps: Consent is a legal protection. Don’t undermine your own position.
11) Keep the freeholder’s surveyor on-side (it’s not personal)
Where a landlord appoints a surveyor, treat them as a professional stakeholder:
- respond promptly to queries
- provide missing details quickly
- be willing to adjust details where concerns are reasonable
- keep communications factual
Why it helps: Many approvals are delayed by slow, incomplete, or argumentative responses.
12) Keep a clean audit trail for future saleability
When you sell or remortgage, you’ll want:
- the signed Licence for Alterations
- all drawings/specs referenced
- building control completion (if applicable)
- electrical / gas certificates
- acoustic test results (if required)
- completion photos for hidden fire stopping (where relevant)
Why it helps: Missing paperwork causes sale delays and renegotiations.
A “best practice” approval approach in one line
Make it easy to say yes: clear scope, clear risk controls, complete documents, competent contractor, and respect for the building and neighbours.
Want support putting together a decision-ready Licence for Alterations submission?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Tell us what works you’re planning (layout, flooring, kitchen/bathroom, structural, vents/windows) and the building type (flat/maisonette). We’ll advise what information is usually needed, how to present the pack, and how to avoid the common reasons freeholders delay or refuse consent.