working at home

[Lunar]

Hello

I'm currently researching whether I should set up as a sole trader working from home and I have been looking into the potential problems I might have in doing this.
I checked my land registry TP1 document which says "The transferee shall not use the Property or any building on the Property for the carrying on of any trade or business whatsoever" (I live in a property that is almost 2 & a half years old). I have no idea whether this prevents me from from running a very small business from home - can someone advise me this please?
I'll only be using one room in my house (spare bedroom) to do dressmaking on my days off from my full-time job. I will not have customers coming to my house and there should be no excessive noise or reason to upset my neighbours as far as I can see. I'm aware that I would need to check with the local council planning department but from articles I've read it doesn't seem likely that any business rates would apply.
Also, is it likely that my mortgage company would have a problem with me working in my home?
There's no option of me working elsewhere as initially I will not be making enough money to pay rent on a business premises.
Please help me :?

 

[DuaneJackson]

The non-lawyers answer (ie, mine) is "what they don't know doesn't hurt them" - I'd not worry about it personally.

Not that I could recommend you do the same!

 

[Hayles]

No, don't worry about it (again from a non legal person )

Who's going to know - and who's going to care? (Unless of course you're right next door to a dress maker and you'll be pinching her work?).

If you progress to a full sweat shop with 30 employees in your spare bedroom then you might have to think again... :wink:


Disclaimer : I have no legal knowledge

Hayles

 

[KM-Tiger]

Another non-legal opinion: it's a can of worms not worth opening.

My mother did exactly what you are about to do for the best part of 40 years. She never asked anyone and never told anyone. In her later years the work was definitely commercial, and indeed some is I think still on display.

 

[Toon]

When I contacted my local council when I worked from home they said as long as I don't have a great deal of traffic with lorries blocking up the road then I'll be OK. He also said that as long as the neighbours don't complain then it will not harm anyone but if they receive a complaint then things might change.

So in other words I would say go for it but out of courtesy just inform your local council what you're up to.

 

[gordonthegofor]

I think you need to let your house insurer Know because if you have a clame and they find out you were running a business without teling them they may refuse to pay out

you also need to inform the tax man within 3 months of starting or they will charge peniltys

 

[Lunar]

Thanks for all your replies and advice.
I feel that I can go ahead without too many problems now. I've already printed out my self-employment form for the tax man but I won't actually be trading for about a month anyway so I've got some time to send that off. I'll definitely be getting insurance and I'll approach the council too.
I can't wait to get started