Can a leaseholder make changes to the property?
Asked by: Elliot Haley | Last update: July 16, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (50 votes)
Yes, but it depends entirely on your specific lease agreement. While you can usually make minor cosmetic updates like painting, hanging pictures, or replacing curtains, any structural changes or major upgrades typically require formal written consent from your landlord or freeholder.
Can I make changes to my leasehold property?
Get permission from your landlord (if needed)
If your lease says you need written permission (“consent”) to make an alteration, you must get it before starting the work. You might need written permission each time you make an alteration.
What are examples of leasehold improvements?
Leasehold Improvements
- Interior partitions made up of drywall, glass and metal.
- Miscellaneous millwork, carpentry, lumber, metals, steel, and paint.
- Acoustic, drywall, and plaster ceilings.
- Restroom accessories.
- Electric lighting fixtures.
- Interior floor finishing, including carpet, vinyl and tile.
What can you not do in a leasehold property?
the ground rent you'll have to pay now and in the future. the service charge you'll have to pay. any restrictions in the lease (for example, that you cannot run a business from your property, have a pet or make alterations)
Can you renovate a leasehold property?
You may find that alterations are forbidden or may only be permitted if explicit consent is obtained from your landlord. Because your lease is a legal contract between you and the freeholder, once signed, it can be difficult to change the conditions contained within it.
Can A Tenant Make Changes To A Rental?
Can you be kicked out of a leasehold property?
Forfeiture is when a landlord asks a court to legally end your lease. This means you no longer have the right to own and occupy the property. After forfeiture, they might then ask a court for permission to evict you.
Can you put a new kitchen in a leasehold property?
Upgrading a kitchen or bathroom again may not require consent – provided that you're not moving any structural walls. There are no fixed rules regarding the types of alterations that require consent and those that do not. You should always check your lease before carrying out alterations.
Do leaseholders have to pay for improvements?
Improvement work
Most leases in the private sector do not say that leaseholders must contribute to the cost of improving the building. But leases for buildings owned by local authorities and housing associations often do allow for the cost of improvements to be included in the service charge.
How long do leaseholds typically last?
A leasehold is where you lease (or rent) property, but for far longer than a tenant's standard one- or two-year time frame. Contracts for leaseholds, in contrast, last for a minimum of 40 years—and can go all the way up to 120 years!
Why should you avoid leasehold?
You may not own as much as you think you do
Unfortunately, the description of the extent of the property included in a lease is often complex and sometimes unclear. This can cause problems, particularly if there is an issue over who is liable for a structural repair, or if you want to extend your home.
Who typically pays for leasehold improvements?
For this reason, the landlord often pays for leasehold improvements or reimburses the tenant for making them. However, it isn't always that straightforward. Sometimes tenants will pay for improvements that they can later uninstall and take with them.
What qualifies as qualified leasehold improvements?
What is Considered Qualified Leasehold Improvements? Leasehold improvements are usually made to the interior of a property, such as the installation of new fixtures or the addition of equipment and furniture.
Is a toilet a leasehold improvement?
Those fixtures which are essential to the structure such as heating and air conditioning units, sinks, toilets, and faucets, which are leased by the lessor of the structure to which they are attached are considered part of the structure and therefore improvements to real property.
Who owns the building on a leasehold property?
You are purchasing a lease from the freeholder for the right to live in the property for a set number of years. You won't technically own the property outright, the freeholder (or landlord) will continue to own the property and the ground it sits on.
Can we convert leasehold to freehold?
Yes, leasehold properties in Dubai can be converted to freehold, subject to certain conditions: The property must be located in a designated freehold-eligible area. The master developer must permit and facilitate conversion. All applicable conversion fees must be paid in full.
How much does it cost to convert leasehold to freehold?
As the leaseholder, you'll need to pay the freeholder a premium to buy the freehold of the property. This typically costs around £5,987, though the exact amount depends on your home's market value, lease length, and annual ground rent.
What are the common leasehold problems?
Common Issues with Leasehold: Ground Rent and Service Charges. A major pain point for leaseholders is the potential for ground rent to escalate and the lack of control over service charges. In older leases, ground rent can be set to double every 10 or 25 years, making the property difficult to sell.
Can you sell a leasehold property?
Yes, selling a leasehold property is very common and in most cases, leasehold sales go through smoothly. However, leasehold property owners can experience challenges when selling a property with a shorter lease term or if there are concerns around service charges, for example.
Do you pay property taxes on leasehold improvements?
Pay for the improvements, there is no tax impact to the landlord and the tenant depreciates the improvements over the applicable depreciable life. The tenant can write off any remaining basis in the improvements upon lease termination.
Are scuff marks on walls wear and tear?
Light scuff marks, minor nicks, and small scratches on walls are typically considered normal wear and tear. These are generally caused by daily living, such as moving furniture or brushing against walls, and are often not chargeable to tenants, especially after a long-term tenancy.
What is the leasehold reform bill 2026?
The Draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill, published in January 2026, aims to end the feudal leasehold system in England and Wales by banning new leasehold flats, capping ground rents at £250/year, and making it easier for residents to convert to commonhold. These reforms, along with the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 measures, aim to reduce service charge abuses and abolish forfeiture.
Is painting considered an alteration?
Any alteration or renovation is minor if it does not include electrical, plumbing, moving/removing or adding walls. (Examples: paint jobs, lying carpet, replacing, wall papering, sanding or staining hardwood floors – excluding removal of subfloor, etc.)
Can you change the windows on a leasehold property?
While leaseholders may wish to repair or replace windows, the windows themselves form part of the external fabric of the building and are typically owned by the freeholder. This means: Freeholder Consent: Any window replacement requires permission from the freeholder.
Can you change flooring in a leasehold flat?
To be able to change something like a floor finish in a leasehold property, most occupiers will need to request permission to make an alteration or change to the management agent for the building. This is known as a Licence to Alter (LTA).