fitting a velux in my loft - leasehold

Doglover88

i would like to fit a velux in my loft, im in a split level maisonette (basically a 2 bed house with a ground floor flat underneath). Whats the best way to go about asking? Should i phone the leaseholder or write a pretty formal letter?
Im not doing a lft conversion just want some light up there as its used for storage and can get one fitted for next to nothing :T

woodbutcher_2

You may need planning permission first.Some local authorities require it.

BobProperty

woodbutcher wrote:

You may need planning permission first.Some local authorities require it.

First I agree with the above.
Second, in some areas it is quite likely that you need the leaseholder's permission to make changes like this. If you go ahead there is the chance that when you come to sell the place, you will have to prove to the buyer that you had got permission. Phone the leaseholder to discuss and then put it in writing. Hopefully, they will write to you giving permission. Keep this letter for when you sell the property.

alanobrien

There seems to be some confusion here.

If your the leaseholder you need the Freeholders permission first, then you may also need planning permission.

remember a leaseholder does not own the fabric of the building or the land, the freeholder does.

Doglover88

sorry alanobrien your right, i meant whats the best way to approach the freeholder, a non formal telephone conversation or a formal well written letter of application?

thanks again

[Deleted User]

I'd write the Freeholder a letter, that's what I did when I asked if I could convert my flat roof into a roof terrace. But the most important thing is that you obtain your Freeholder's permission in writing as when you sell the place your Buyer will want to see that. And give your local planning dept a call to see if you need planning permission.

BobProperty

Sorry I think I should have said Freeholder instead of Leaseholder.