Can you run a shop from a residential property?
2 minute read
Date Published - April 23rd 2024
Date Updated - September 1st 2024
2 minute read
Date Published - April 23rd 2024
Date Updated - September 1st 2024
First and foremost, you'll need to check whether you have the necessary permissions to operate a business from your home. This may involve obtaining consent from your mortgage provider or landlord, as well as checking with your local planning office. Major alterations to your property or significant changes in usage may require formal approval to ensure compliance with local regulations.
Running a business from the comfort of your home can be a tempting proposition, offering convenience and flexibility. However, before setting up shop in your residential property, it's crucial to understand the legalities and implications involved.
Your local council may have specific requirements for home-based businesses, particularly if your operations involve frequent customer visits, deliveries, or external advertising. It's essential to research and adhere to these regulations to avoid any legal complications down the line.
Running a business from your home may also impact your insurance coverage. While your standard home insurance policy may provide some level of protection, it's unlikely to cover business-related assets such as stock, equipment, or liability for customer visits. It's advisable to consult with an authorised insurer to determine the appropriate coverage for your home-based business needs.
Another factor to consider is whether any restrictions on the use of your property could impact your ability to run a business. Questions to think about include whether your business activities will cause disturbances to neighbours, involve face-to-face meetings, or generate excessive noise. Restrictions imposed by your property title aim to protect the rights of neighbouring properties and may require careful consideration before proceeding with your business plans
If your business activities risk causing a nuisance to neighbours, it's essential to assess the potential impact and take steps to mitigate any disturbances. This may involve negotiating with the party benefiting from the title restriction or seeking their consent to release you from the covenant. Alternatively, exploring ways to minimise noise, traffic, or other disruptions can help maintain harmonious relations with your neighbours while operating your business from home.
You can report someone running a business from their home to your local council. You may report this if your neighbour is causing a nuisance such as making loud noises or disturbances. The council is unlikely to take action if the home is still mainly being used as a home and the business is low key such as one room being used as an office for instance. The council may decide to take action if the main purpose of the property is no longer for residential purposes, there is a significant increase in the amount of traffic as a result or the business is causing unreasonable nuisance such as smells or noise at unreasonable times.
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