Planning permission and building regulations Planning permission for flats

Planning and building regulations are more complicated if you own a flat

Planning permission and building regulations are more complicated if you own a flat. 

Leasehold flats

If your flat is leasehold you will need to check your leasehold agreement, as this can restrict the improvements you can make. 

Some leasehold agreements set terms for wood and laminate flooring, and even on changing internal cupboards.

Property management committees

You may need to sign off your plans with the property management company or residential committee. This is because they are usually responsible for communal areas such as ‘outer’ walls, the roof, anything on the roof, the windows, jointly-utilised cold water facilities, communal areas and drainage. 

Housing association flats

Restrictions will also apply if you're living in a property run by a housing association. In this case, you'll need to contact the association, preferably in writing, advising of the adaptations you want to make to your home.

Improvements you can make to a flat

You can usually make the following changes to the inside of your property without requiring anyone’s permission:

• putting up shelves or pictures
• general internal decoration, eg painting, wall decoration and re-plastering
• installing a new kitchen and/or bathroom.

If installing a new kitchen or bathroom in your flat, you're also likely to have to work on gas appliances and services, plumbing or wiring (see Which? Local to find a recommended trader). These are subject to the same building regulations as for fully-owned properties and some regulations are specific to flats. Check with your local authority.

In properties built before 1980, the plumber or electrician will probably need to have access to communal areas to turn off water or electricity. In this case, you'll need to advise other residents well in advance of the time and say for how long this may affect them