There are a number of considerations that you need to take into account if you are planning on making alterations to a commercial property. Engaging Saracens Solicitors as your commercial lease solicitor in London can help you anticipate and surmount any obstacles.

If you can anticipate the alterations that you wish to make before drawing up your commercial lease, Saracens Solicitors can help you make provisions for these within the agreement, where possible, when acting as your commercial lease solicitor in London.

When it comes time to make your alterations, you need to consider building regulations and planning permissions as well as the terms laid out by your landlord. Saracens Solicitors can help you understand the conditions that apply to you in both of these areas when acting as your commercial lease solicitor in London.

Planning permission

You need to get permission to make any major alterations to most properties. This includes internal and external refinements. All of these need to meet current building regulations and comply with health and safety guidelines.

Planning permission is also required if the alterations mean that you will be changing the use of your commercial property. You need to know the usage category that applies to the property you wish to rent or are already occupying to see if it covers the business you want to conduct. If it does not, you will need to apply to adjust the category.

Saracens Solicitors can help you determine what kind of planning permission you might need.

Your landlord

There are different levels of permission that might be contained within your commercial lease. These are:

• Unconditional permission – rarely a lease will give blanket permission for any alterations without reference to the landlord. Even under these circumstances, it may still be advisable to let your landlord know that you intend to make changes;
• Conditional permission – this is where you need to contact, and get permission from, your landlord before going ahead with alterations. This is the most common type of agreement and we can help you with negotiations;
• Completely prohibited – another rare condition. Entering into an agreement of this type can be very restrictive, so it’s best to consult a professional before you do so.