Replacing windows in leasehold flat

AFF8879

Hi everyone, I recently purchased a leasehold flat in London which I am currently refurbishing (this will be my home, not an investment). As part of the works I want to replace the windows as currently the frames are all chipped plus I also want to upgrade from double to triple glazing.

I have tried to contact the management agent several times via email and telephone, they never reply to emails and every time I have phoned them they tell me to send an email and they will look at it, before giving some grovelling apology as they have been shortstaffed...

It has now been over two months since I bought the flat and I still can't get them to advise on how I should go about getting the windows replaced. I have found a few companies online who can make custom windows, can anyone foresee any issues if I go ahead with getting this done without permission assuming the windows are like for like (or as close as possible)?

jk0

This question comes up on Landlordzone fairly often. Advice there is generally you are okay to replace windows if they are demised to you, as you are just maintaining your flat.

Beware however, if your freeholder ever decides to replace the windows in the other flats, you'll still have to stump up a share of the cost.

You can get more detailed advice by posting on Landlordzone and reproducing the relevant parts of your lease.

brightontraveller

You should find out the terms of the lease who’s responsible ,permissions, licence’s fee’s, etc

If you replace without consent
They may want a surveyor to inspect the work on their behalf ( normally you pay for this) .
Landlord can and often does specify that the windows are FENSA certificated.
If windows change appearance of building (now no longer match the others in the block) the landlord may use legal means to make your windows fit in.
You may need Obtain written retrospective consent for the works from the landlord - otherwise it could hold up any future sale.
Be sure you’re not in a conservation area which could mean you have to reinstate same as originals
If others are painted you’ll likely still have to stump up your share of painting windows even though yours wouldn’t require it
They may do all or none of the above, Unusual managing agent not responded as often they add a BS fee to obtain consent not one landlord may charge but a separate one they try and sneak in for themselves especially in London.

SMS63

Bear in mind also that flats don't have permitted development rights and that planning permission may be required depending on the view of your local planning authority. Like for like doesn't usually include replacing timber or metal windows with UPVC. It means identical in terms of materials, size of frame, appearance and means of opening.