Maximising rental return

Howdie

I'm thinking of splitting my 2 bed maisonette into 2 studio flats, to maximise my rental return.

Does anyone know if I need to get planning permission for this and what the implications are if I dont get this?

I know that after 4 years I should be able to get planning permission retrospectively so should I or shouldnt I get the planning permission?

Any constructive advice appreciated

Doozergirl

You must get planning permission. Especially as we're talking about flats here and any building work is not going to go unnoticed, it is entirely possible that the work will be reported and you will have to apply for retrospective planning permission. If your application is rejected you will have to return the property to it's original state at your own cost.

There are very strict building regulations in place for conversion of flats these days relating to the safety of occupants, especially concerning fireproofing and escape windows. Everything about your flats will have to comply. I would certainly be worried that if fire broke out and killed one of your tenants, without the neccessary documentation, you would be held accountable. Either way, as a landlord, I believe you have an obligation to keep your tenants as safe as possible.

There's simple things that would become complicated if you didn't apply. You'd need different addresses registered with the post office for your tenants and would/should have two seperate Coucil Tax bills. You would probably be unable to sell without pp and building regs. I suspect your buildings insurance would become void too.

Ian_W

Doozer wrote: I would certainly be worried that if fire broke out and killed one of your tenants, without the neccessary documentation, you would be held accountable.

And accountable could mean in a criminal court if the changes didn't comply with fire safety, were considered grossly negligent or worse reckless, and someone was seriously injured or killed. Your call, how much do you like porridge, BTW?

Howdie

Ian_W wrote:

Your call, how much do you like porridge, BTW?

I dont like it burnt thats for sure , to be honest you two have highlighted my major concerns, thanks!!

Doozergirl

Another Landlord saved from the depths of darkness... :A

BobProperty

Quick point - even if you don't get PP, BR etc and don't incinerate the tenants, they'd have a good excuse not to pay rent if they found out you hadn't got the necessary permissions.