SORA Climate

Flat & Leasehold AC Guide

Wall splits are legal in most UK flats when mounted correctly. SORA supplies the unit; your F-Gas installer handles commissioning. If you need landlord or freeholder consent, start early — we provide a letter template.

Quick answers

Do I need planning permission?

Most flat installations are permitted development if the outdoor unit is not on a principal elevation facing a highway and meets size limits. Listed buildings and conservation areas need consent. Your installer confirms on survey.

Will my freeholder allow it?

Many leases require written consent for external alterations. Copy the freeholder notification template on this page — polite, technical, cites F-Gas certified install.

Where does the outdoor unit go?

Balcony, rear elevation, or custom bracket — must not block fire escape. Installers assess on pre-fit survey; SORA does not survey before checkout on supply-only orders.

Can SORA arrange the installer?

Panel status: announced. Checkout today is supply-only + own-installer path. Join the installer panel if you are REFCOM-certified, or use VIP Express Install when live in your postcode.

What about noise for neighbours?

Premium splits (Emura, MSZ-LN) run 19–22 dB(A) indoor Night Mode. Outdoor units must meet BS EN noise guidance — your installer positions away from bedroom windows.

Planning & permitted development

Most flat installations are permitted development when the outdoor unit is not on a principal elevation facing a highway and meets size limits. Listed buildings and conservation areas need separate consent. Your F-Gas installer confirms on survey — SORA does not survey before checkout on supply-only orders.

Freeholder consent

Many leases require written consent for external alterations. Start early: send a polite, technical notification citing REFCOM-registered installation. Copy the template below into your email or letter — replace the bracketed fields.

To: [Freeholder / Managing agent name]
Re: Request for consent — installation of domestic air source heat pump (wall-mounted split system)

Dear [Name],

I am writing to request your consent to install a wall-mounted air conditioning / air source heat pump system at [property address], in accordance with my lease.

Proposed works

  • System: [Brand/model, e.g. Daikin Emura 2.5 kW] indoor wall unit and external condenser
  • Location of outdoor unit: [e.g. rear elevation / balcony — attach photo if helpful]
  • Installer: REFCOM-registered F-Gas certified engineer ([Company name], certificate [number])
  • Scope: Refrigerant pipework in discrete trunking; no structural alteration; reversible at end of tenancy/lease

Compliance

  • Installation complies with F-Gas Regulations and Building Regulations Part L guidance for heat pumps where applicable
  • Installer holds public liability insurance ([amount])
  • I will provide a copy of the F-Gas commissioning certificate on completion

Noise & appearance

  • Indoor unit operates at approximately 19–22 dB(A) in night mode
  • Outdoor unit positioned to minimise noise to neighbouring properties

I would be grateful for your written consent within 28 days. If you require a formal licence fee or deed of variation, please advise.

Yours sincerely,
[Your name]

SORA Climate supplies equipment only; this letter is a customer template, not legal advice.

Outdoor unit placement

Typical locations: balcony, rear elevation, or custom bracket. The unit must not block fire escape routes. Premium splits (Emura, MSZ-LN) run 19–22 dB(A) indoor in Night Mode; outdoor units must meet BS EN noise guidance — your installer positions away from bedroom windows.

What SORA provides today

  • Supply-only checkout — we ship the unit; you or your installer handles commissioning
  • Own installer path — enter your REFCOM F-Gas certificate on the product page; we verify before dispatch
  • Installer panel — announced; REFCOM-certified engineers can apply
  • VIP Express Install — when live in your postcode, available on qualifying split PDPs

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