Installing Air Conditioning
Whether you’re a Shared Owner or a 100% leaseholder, this section has useful information for you.
Frequently Asked Questions for Homeowners
As UK summers continue to become warmer, we are receiving an increasing number of enquiries from shared owners and leaseholders about installing permanent air conditioning units in their homes.
Recent research suggests that air conditioning is currently used in around 3% of UK homes, but demand is expected to grow significantly over the coming decades as temperatures rise. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) forecasts that household adoption could increase to between 10% and 40% by 2050.
In fact, reports published in 2026 estimated that around 4 million UK homes now have some form of air conditioning, with ownership having doubled in just three years, driven by hotter summers and increased working from home.
With this growing demand in mind, we'd like to explain what you need to know before considering an air conditioning installation.
Do I Need Permission for a permanent air conditioning unit?
Yes, in many cases.
Your lease states that if you wish to carry out certain improvements or alterations to your home, you must obtain our written consent before starting any works.
This process helps ensure that:
- The proposed alteration is permitted under the terms of your lease.
- The works will not damage the structure or fabric of the building.
- The appearance and integrity of the developments are protected for all residents.
We will not unreasonably withhold consent where the proposal complies with the lease and building requirements.
Many permanent air conditioning systems require:
- An external condenser unit.
- Pipework routed through external walls.
- Alterations to the outside appearance of the building.
Most leases, particularly those relating to flats, prohibit leaseholders from making alterations to any part of the building's exterior. As a result, we are unable to grant permission for an external unit to be installed outside the property, including on a balcony, or for any connections to be made through the external wall.
Your lease specifically states that no alterations may be made to the exterior of the building without the appropriate permissions.
In addition, our building safety policies do not permit items to be stored or installed on balconies. An external unit would be considered a potential fire risk, could have implications for the building's insurance, and may impose additional weight on the balcony. Balconies are not designed or intended to support the installation of such equipment. As a result, proposals involving permanent installations may not be approved if they require external alterations.
Every request is assessed individually, which is why we encourage residents to contact us before making any purchases or arranging installation works.
Portable Air Conditioning – An Alternative Option
If you're looking for a way to keep your home cool during warmer weather, you may wish to consider a portable, non-permanent air conditioning unit. Because these units are not fixed to the building and typically do not require structural alterations, permission is generally not required.
Portable units can often provide an effective cooling solution while avoiding the need for formal approvals and installation costs.
Before You Submit a Formal Request
If you are considering a permanent air conditioning system, please check your lease in the first instance. When you submit a request, please include:
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- The type and model of unit you would like to install.
- Details of any internal or external alterations required.
- Information on where the unit would be located.
- Any manufacturer specifications or installation drawings available.
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We can review the proposal and provide initial guidance before a formal application is submitted.
Please note that a fee is payable for the formal alterations consent process.
How to Apply
Further information and the online request for consent to carry out alterations can be found on our Home Alterations page.