Renovating a home without permission? Get legal advice!

Questioner

My boyfriend and his ex-partner have a house together, the house has been for sale for 8 years and is underwater. Ex-partner has not paid anything for about 6 years. If we want to renovate the house to make it more saleable, is this allowed without her permission? There are, among other things, a number of double-glazed windows that are broken and we want to renovate the kitchen and bathroom to speed up the sale? If ex does not want to cooperate, can we get approval from the bank if this reduces the residual debt? Without asking permission and letting the lawyer know? They have had the house for sale for 8 years and she is now married and pays nothing, the only thing they still have together is both names on the mortgage deed. Especially if we have a valuation done before and after the renovation and can prove this?

Lawyer

Without permission, the house may not be renovated. I advise to ask for this to be recorded in writing. This does not have to be done through a lawyer. You can arrange this yourself as long as it is recorded in writing. Is there a court order regarding the distribution of the estate? How will the residual debt be reduced if you renovate? Do your ex and her husband live in the home? If so, you can ask for a user fee. I am happy to help you