Sole Trader while renting?

[LPfreelance]

I'm thinking about starting freelance work and therefore setting up as a sole trader. However I'm currently living in rented accom and my contract says that I am not permitted to run a business from the premises.

I was thinking of registering the business at my parent's address if a trading address is required, but does this pose any risk to my parents due to my liability being a sole trader?

 

[Lee Jones Jnr]

You do not 'register' a business when operating as a sole trader.
I would check with the landlord but usually this just means that you cannot operate a business where customers will visit the premesis.

 

[LPfreelance]

OK thanks. I will need to register as a sole trader though, that's what I meant. Should have been a bit clearer really.
Will check with estate agents. Last time I mentioned this sort of thing there was some mention made of not being allowed to use the flat for client meetings or business post... not receiving post will be an issue, since I will need to conduct most business that way. Will have to find out, I suppose.

 

[Lee Jones Jnr]

Registering as self employed will not matter.
You can use a mail forwarding service if need be. The main thing that the landlord will want to ensure is that there isn't going to be a constant stream of people through the door. You do right to make sure first. If possible try and speak directly to the landlord.

 

[LPfreelance]

Thank you. I can't speak to the landlord (no contact details), but will get on to the estate agents. Thanks again

 

[mapiman]

I rent out properties but mainly for holiday lets but do also allow longer out of season lettings. Our contracts do forbid tenants from running a business and that is indeed mainly to ensure that people don't visit on business. However there is also the issue of people running businesses and then leaving owing money. My tenants don't like being confronted by bailiffs and debt collectors who often won't believe that they (my holiday tenants) are not the people they are looking for. However for longer lets some landlords might not object.

 

[WJP]

OP, what is your line of business if you don't mind me asking?

 

[LPfreelance]

I'm a proofreader and copy-editor. It wouldn't be such an issue if I were to be just web-based, but I'll be working on hard copy too, which will obviously involve a lot of packages. I will have to find out if that's an issue.

 

[Jon236]

dude, if in doubt then just get a PO box from the royal mail. £6 a month is all they cost.

 

[LPfreelance]

OK thanks will look into it.

 

[spidersites]

Just register your business at somebody else (I know an accounting company that handles the registered address for several businesses - or you could use a freind / parent. Then you just say that your working from home as long as you use the business address in your tax return and for official post, you should be fine. (Obviously you cant run a shop or a ware house from your rented accomodation.

good luck