Many London homes are flats, and many flats are leasehold. With a leasehold flat you own the right to live in the flat for the length of the lease, while the building itself is owned by someone else, usually called the landlord. A managing agent often runs the building day to day.
Leases often say what alterations you can make. Some need the landlord’s consent for alterations, and that can include fixing furniture to walls. This guide explains what to look for and who to ask. It isn’t legal advice, and we can’t advise on your lease.
Why the lease matters
Every lease is different. Some say little about alterations. Others need the landlord’s consent for almost any change to the structure, the walls or the fixtures. Some treat certain walls as part of the building rather than your flat, so fixing into them may need permission.
Fitted furniture is usually fixed to walls, and sometimes to floors or ceilings. If your lease needs consent for alterations, a fitted wardrobe or bookcase could count. That’s why it’s worth checking before work is booked, not after.
What to look for
Read the parts of your lease that deal with alterations, additions and the use of the flat. Look for anything about:
- alterations to the structure, walls, floors or ceilings
- which walls belong to your flat and which belong to the building
- fixing anything into party walls or external walls
- consent from the landlord, and how to ask for it
- rules about works, working hours, noise or deliveries.
If the wording isn’t clear, a solicitor can explain what it means for you.
Ask the landlord or managing agent
If you think consent may be needed, contact your landlord or the managing agent before work is booked. Tell them what you plan: which rooms, which walls and how the furniture will be fixed. They can tell you whether consent is needed and how to apply.
The managing agent can also tell you about any building rules, such as booking a lift, using a service entrance, protecting shared areas or times when work is allowed.
Thinking about fitted furniture? We design, make and fit it across London: we visit, measure and talk through the design, then send a written quote. Arrange a design visit.
Getting the furniture into the building
Blocks of flats bring their own access questions. Entry systems, concierge booking rules, small lifts and narrow stairs all affect how furniture gets in. Furniture made in our workshop is made in sections sized to get up the stairs, round the landings, into the lift and through the doors. Measure the route, not just the room. See how to measure a room for fitted furniture.
Parking near the building matters too. See parking for tradespeople in London.
Fixings and walls in flats
Walls in flats vary. Converted terraces may have solid brick, lath-and-plaster and newer stud walls in the same flat. Mansion blocks often have solid walls. Newer purpose-built blocks often have metal-stud plasterboard walls inside. Fixings must suit the wall, and some walls may also be covered by your lease. Share anything the landlord tells you, and we’ll plan fixings to suit.
Our guides to mansion block flats and new-build flats cover each type in more detail.
What we can and can’t help with
We can design furniture to suit any conditions you’re given, and we can describe how a piece will be fixed so you can explain it to the landlord. We can’t read or interpret your lease, and we can’t tell you whether consent is needed. Those questions are for your landlord, the managing agent or a solicitor.
Quick answers
Do I need permission to fit wardrobes in my flat?
It depends on your lease. Some leases need the landlord’s consent for alterations, which can include fixing furniture to walls. Check your lease and ask the landlord or managing agent.
Can you check my lease for me?
No. We can’t advise on leases. A solicitor can explain what yours says.
Can fitted furniture be designed to need fewer fixings?
Sometimes. The design can be adjusted to suit conditions you’re given. We’ll talk it through at the design visit.
What if my building has a concierge?
Let us know when you get in touch. Booking rules, lifts and service entrances all help us plan the delivery and fitting.
Related services
More advice
- Fitted Furniture in Mansion Block Flats
- Adding Storage to a New-Build Flat
- Parking for Tradespeople in London: CPZs Explained
- How to Measure a Room for Fitted Furniture
- All advice
This guide is general information about fitted furniture. It isn’t legal, planning or building advice; for those, speak to the council, your landlord or managing agent, or a suitably qualified professional.