Q&A: As a tenant, who pays for repairs or alterations to my pub?

I am the tenant of a pub leased from a brewery. One of the internal walls has been in a bad condition for several years but my landlord has never got round to repairing it. I would now like to construct a doorway in the wall. Will I have to pay for all the works even though the wall was already in disrepair?

It is extremely difficult to advise on problems of this nature without sight of your lease. The lease would detail who is responsible for keeping the premises in good repair. It may also state which party should arrange for the repairs to take place.

The lease probably sets out the procedures you have to follow to obtain your landlord's consent to any alteration in the premises. Again, check the lease very carefully to ensure that you carry out all the requirements.

Finally, don't forget to check whether Section 20 Consent to Alterations is required from the licensing justices. A new doorway could effect the means of communication between the licensed area and another area, meaning that the justices' consent must be obtained before you start the work.