if you own a leasehold flat, what do you need to ask permission to do (DIY)

[MrsPettigrewGrew]

For a friend.. she knows she has to read the leasehold doc but out of interest would you have to run these by the landlord..

Installing LEDs in place of central lights
New bathroom
New kitchen

None of which would involve structural changes- replacing like with like.

Exception is the LEDS which will mean cutting into ceiling space (1st floor flat in a 2 storey block.)

None of that would be on her lease.

I would only have to ask permission to build a roof terrace or make exterior structural changes.

You can still cut into your ceiling (well I can - had to replace a ceiling)

Thanks.

The previous owner has installed a new boiler (replacement) and the solicitor for my friend picked up this had not been verified as OK with the landlord, so she's being super careful.

We had quite a saga on this topic with our last leasehold. According to my conveyancing solicitor (who I did trust, she's been conveyancing for decades and is a partner), it WILL depend on her lease. It really isn't universal. So she's got to read the lease.

That said, she said it is the normal case that refusals must be reasonable, particularly if they're non-structural.

We took the view that it was wisest in every case to tel the LL what we planned to do. We had no problems. Our neighbour, however, did extensive remodelling, and his builders or architect - we never quite worked out who - managed to get the staircase three inches off-plan. The resulting brouhaha cost him tens of thousands of pounds in legal fees and restoration order compliance.

What I can't remember is what to do if the LL does refuse... but www.lease-advice.org/ gives free (government funded) advice to leaseholders. Someone I know used for a legal challenge, successfully. If she runs into difficulty, she might want to use them.

Ah, cross post. She's wise to be super cautious. Costs nothing to send an email, and keeps everyone happy.

Usually there will be a clause about not causing nuisance or annoyance to adjoining owners so your friend should notify the Management Company of the proposed works stating that noise etc will be kept to a minimum and only during 9-5 Monday - Friday and ask them to confirm that they have no objection to those works in writing and keep a copy of the letter or email they send with her title deeds. Also, if she has a lender she I'll need their consent if any of the works would require building control approval.