Converted outbuilding

northwest1965

We have jut bought a house which has an outbuilding. From the outside it looks like a stone built property.

Inside it has been made into a studio with electric heating (all checked last year for safety). The work was completed 13 years ago by the previous owner. (email from previous owner confirming this)

I am looking to maybe rent it out in the future.

What problems are we likely to encounter?

Bigphil1474

If you mean rent it out as a commercial property, you would need to look at things like utility supply, make sure they have the correct insurances etc. and being a commercial landlord is a bit different to being a domestic one. There would likely be business rates to pay. They would also need to comply with Health and Safety at Work legislation. I've visited loads of outbuilding work premises in domestic gardens and they aren't usually a big issue, but most I've been to were operated by the householder. If it was me, I'd want a separate customer entrance to the outbuilding (rather than trapsing through my garden).

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6666971/converted-outbuilding

Depends on what use the rental would be for.

Planning is likely to be the biggest issue - whether change of use, use as a separate dwelling, or for any alterations required. If what you want to use it for isn't permitted development then you may need planning consent, and whether you'll get it depends on the planning authority policy.

Having electric isn't enough if the space will be for anything other than just storage. If rented out as workspace or accommodation you'll need water and drainage as well. Whether these need to be separate supplies might depend on usage.

And depending on circumstances there may be an additional council tax (or possibly business rates) liability too.

Also, depending on use, you may need building regs signoff for any alterations you need to make.

user1977

Insurance, title conditions, consent of any mortgage lender.

Albermarle

For clarity, when you say 'studio' do you means something small like a photography/art studio, or something larger that could accommodate a few people, for say dance/yoga etc.?

Or do you mean a studio flat type accommodation?

northwest1965

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81987192#Comment_81987192

One room studio flat. We are looking to rent it overnight for walkers on the coast to coast

northwest1965

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81987101#Comment_81987101

No alterations were made to the outside. Has all the correct water, drainage and en suite shower room.

Thanks for the heads up on other stuff

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81987508#Comment_81987508

No alterations were made to the outside

Alterations being limited to internal changes doesn't mean planning (and BR) consent wasn't/isn't required.

Conversion from an outbuilding to self-contained "One room studio flat" probably required planning consent. I'm no expert on Council Tax, but from what I understand there may be a separate CT liability as well.

Using the building as a holiday let or Airbnb may need further planning consent.

lincroft1710

Did the previous owners pass on the Building Regs sign off for the studio?

northwest1965

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81987602#Comment_81987602

No, hence me asking. It has been more than 10 years that the work was completed

northwest1965

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81987525#Comment_81987525

I'm happy to apply for any planning etc, just concerned that planning was not applied for 13 years ago and we are liable.