When having property works, leaseholders are encouraged to read through these additional guidelines & considerations which include useful information about infrastructure and help ensure you remain compliant with building regulations.

Safety & compliance

• For larger works involving alterations to the structure of your property (e.g. walls, doors, windows, gas, electrics, plumbing) or to external walls or surfaces (e.g. boiler flues, balconies) you may need to obtain permission from the relevant authorities:

  • A License to Alter can be obtained from the Head Lessee through their Managing Agent. You can apply for this online through the Tenant Portal.

  • Local authorities such as Tower Hamlets Building Control  may require a fire risk assessment be carried out to asses the impact of significant works on the structure of the building to ensure:

    • The compartmentalisation of your property, that of the communal areas, and of adjacent neighbouring properties has not been compromised.

    • Adequate fire stopping or fire rated-products are installed, as per regulations.

    • Works required are adequately specified by a competent and registered surveyor/assessor.

  • Although the front door and balcony surface are demised to each property, they play a significant fire safety role. Because of this, their structure and appearance are the responsibility of the Managing Agent. Because of this, you must not carry out any work on your front door or balcony, including decorations or fixings, without express permission from the Managing Agent.

• Contractors working in the building must protect the communal flooring (including lifts) and add additional protective measures to the walls or ceilings in the communal areas if transporting bulky/heavy items in and out of the property. If you are having property works done, submit the Property works form from the Forms page to allow the Building Manager to assist you with protective measures in the lifts and communal areas.

• Installing an appliance (e.g. boiler, hot water tank, water softener, filter) or undertaking electrical work should always be done by a qualified and certified contractor that can provide an installation certificate. This may be necessary in case of building insurance claims.

Tips for refurbishment

• If you're refurbishing a bathroom or kitchen, it's recommended that the rooms are tanked or sealed to prevent water escapes and limit the damage caused to neighbouring properties in the event of a leak.

• When replacing the flooring in your property please consider using an underlay to help with soundproofing. There are special types of underlay for tiles and wooden flooring, or engineered wooden flooring which can include additional insulation and noise dampening.

• It's recommend to install access panels near the soil and rainwater downpipes to facilitate tracing leaks without needing to open the walls. This has proven valuable in many prior instances, removing the need to redecorate after tracing and fixing leaks. Contact the Building Manager for more information and examples of where this can be installed.

• As the building was constructed over 25 years ago, you may wish to consider improving the insulation and sealing of your property to reduce heating costs. Re-screeding the metal framed windows and doors can help prevent draughts and improve soundproofing.

• Please send a copy of new plans or drawings showing structural changes to your property to the Building Manager who can keep these on file for use when leak tracing. Alternatively, please request existing drawings are updated.