Many property owners assume they can freely make changes to their homes, but leaseholders—and sometimes freeholders —may need permission from the freeholder or managing organisation before altering their property. This formal permission is known as a licence to alter (LTA).
Without it, leaseholders risk breaching their lease, being forced to undo alterations, or facing problems when selling. Freeholders may also need consent, particularly for external or basement modifications. These rules affect listed buildings, homes in conservation areas, some new-builds, ex-council and housing association properties.
