Running a business from your home

– Do you need planning permission?

– Do you need to tell your local council?

– Do you have to pay business rates on your property?

– Will your business cause any nuisance or disturb your neighbours?

– Do you have the right qualifications?

– Do you need insurance for your business (your current home insurance may not cover your business)?

Some businesses that are not suitable to be run from home for example, any business that:

– involves cars or other vehicle repairs

– attracts lots of customers or deliveries to your home

– involves breeding of animals for profit

– requires storing lots of items within the property or in an outside space, including storing hazardous or controlled materials

– uses heavy machinery

– would compromise the health and safety of you, other occupants, or neighbours

The above list is not exhaustive and there may be other types of business that we consider unsuitable to be run from your home.

If you would like to run a pet business, e.g. doggy day care, from your home, you need to first obtain our written permission. We recommend that you take out adequate insurance to cover any liability that might arise.

As part of your application please provide the following information:
– the maximum number of pets visiting/kept at the property at any time
– the proposed opening hours of the business
– parking arrangements for customers/visitors.

Please note: we will not grant permission for the breeding of animals for profit at our properties.

There is useful information to help you when setting up a business from home:
https://www.gov.uk/run-business-from-home 

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs

It is important that you declare your business properly as this may have an impact on any benefits that you may already receive.

If you would like any further advice regarding any possible changes to your financial situation, such as benefit entitlements, you can contact our benefits and advice team at [email protected]