Do I require freeholder permission for replacing back door?

wisdenfan

Hi All,

I would really appreciate your advice on this matter. My leasehold flat has two entrances – the front entrance that leads in from the main staircases, and the back entrance that leads out to the fire escape stairs at the back of the building. The back door is exposed to the elements (albeit under a covered roof) and is in need of a replacement. See the attached pictures for reference.

 

I had a look at my lease, and it is clearly stated that the I cannot alter or interfere with the outside surfaces of the front door. I’m quoting here from the lease itself “the Tenant will not paint or otherwise interfere with the outside surfaces of the front door the window frames or any railings surrounding any balconies of the Flat”.

I have no intention of doing anything with the front door as it is in perfect working condition. But given that the lease doesn’t mention anything specifically regarding the back door, is it fair to assume that I can replace the back door (within the bounds of building regulations of course) without seeking approval from the freeholder?    

Also, I’m not sure whether to replace the existing wooden door with another wooden door or would it make sense to go for UPVC door. Is there an advantage of one over the other?

L_T_88

From the clause quoted I'm assuming that the Freeholder is responsible for decorating the common parts and therefore the retain responsibility for painting your front door.

To answer your question you need to check what the demise is defined as, and what your and the freeholders maintenance responsibilities are. If you have your lease to hand and can PM me it, I'm happy to check for you. Feel free to redact name, address etc.

As the rear door accesses an escape route, this will need to be a fire door - I think FD30s as a minimum, even though it's an external route.

eddddy

Is there a particular reason that you don't want to ask the freeholder (or their managing agent) the question?

If they're going to make a fuss about it, maybe it's better to find out before you change it, rather than maybe in 2 years time when they decide to repaint all the outside doors and notice.

For example, they might say a PVC door is unacceptable, but a similar wooden door is ok - so it would be better to know that in advance.


If you disagree with the freeholder's response - for example, you think the lease allows you to change the door without consent, but the freeholder thinks otherwise - it's probably better to have that argument before changing the door.

It could get very messy if, for example, you're in the process of selling the flat, and an argument about 'breaching the lease' comes up.