Licences to alter

Most leases require landlord consent to make qualified alterations to a property. A Licence to Alter (LTA) is a formal, legally binding document permitting tenants to alter a leasehold property, from structural and external alterations to layout changes. Our building consultancy specialists can review proposed tenant alterations, comment on technical adequacy, identify statutory or reinstatement issues, liaise with legal advisers and set out landlord requirements before consent is formalised.

Licence to Alter (LTA) services

Technical due diligence

Our specialists support tenants in securing formal landlord consent by reviewing tenant drawings, specifications, method statements, and supporting technical information. We can also provide landlord technical comments and approval conditions for inclusion in the licence documentation to ensure the works are structurally safe, comply with building regulations, and do not invalidate the building's insurance policy. LTAs can also be used when assessing a terminal schedule of dilapidation to distinguish between the existing property and the tenant's alterations.

Structural assessments

We can conduct an assessment of structural, service, fire, acoustic, heritage, statutory, and reinstatement implications to evaluate the future impact and risks of the tenant’s proposed changes before any work is permitted to start.

Pre-works schedules of condition

We can produce a pre-works Schedule of Condition as a passive record of the property before the work starts, with a view to establishing a reliable baseline of the property’s condition to minimise the risk of future legal disputes over damage, deterioration or repair liabilities.

Monitoring inspections

We can conduct monitoring inspections during the works to ensure that tenant alterations continue in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, and method statements.

Completion inspections and review

Our nationwide team of specialists can also support post-project by conducting completion inspections and reviewing as-built information, certification, and reinstatement obligations.

Finding the sensible balance

A successful Licence to Alter balances enabling sensible improvements and protecting the property's long-term value, fabric, and compliance position. Controlled approval of tenant alterations and the protection of landlord interests are particularly important where works affect the structure, fire strategy, services, heritage fabric, common parts, or future reinstatement obligations. We can handle all administrative aspects of tenant alteration proposals on behalf of landlords, tenants and managing agents, including liaising with solicitors, freeholders, and the tenant’s professional team.