Regularisation Certificates

Where unauthorised building work has been carried out on a property, it may be possible to obtain a Regularisation Certificate.

Whether the works were carried out by yourself or a previous owner an application can be made if the works started on or after 11 November 1985.

‘Unauthorised’ building work is work that was carried out without an application having been submitted and accepted by us before works started. When a Regularisation Certificate is issued, it provides evidence (but not conclusive evidence) that the requirements of the Building Regulations specified in the certificate have been complied with at the time when the unauthorised work was carried out.

Contact us to discuss your particular situation before you apply. In doing so you can be given a clear indication of what is required, allowing for an informed decision whether to apply or not, as depending on circumstances this may mean that you have to open up works. You could also be asked to take down or rebuild work.

Make an application

What we need to issue a certificate

We need:

• a full description of the unauthorised work, including:
  • existing plans (before the work started)
  • proposed plans (what is intended/what has been completed)
• plans and associated structural calculations that should demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations that were in force when the work was originally carried out
• the appropriate fee – see our charges and fees
• photographs of the work in progress, or other evidence as may be applicable, may assist in demonstrating compliance, and may reduce exposure works required, so if you have this information, please send this also

When sufficient information has been received, we will provide advice as to what work, if any, is required to comply with the Building Regulations, in order to receive the Regularisation Certificate. In establishing how and what works have been carried out, it may be necessary for the owner to open up elements of the works or carry out tests.

Where such opening up of works has been carried out, we will advise you of:

• any alterations which will be required in order to make the works comply with the relevant requirements
• any works which cannot be determined whether they comply with the relevant requirements
• if the works are compliant

Once the works have been deemed satisfactory, we will issue a Regularisation Certificate to the building owner. A Regularisation Certificate is evidence (but not conclusive evidence) that the requirements of the building regulations specified in the certificate have been complied with.

We have no obligation to issue a Regularisation Certificate and there is no statutory time period for a regularisation application to be dealt with.

We aim to make initial contact with the applicant within 10 working days of receiving the application.

You will be charged for this regularisation service (non-refundable), and once an application for regularisation has been submitted, it cannot be withdrawn.