OTish running your own business/franchise

hi ladies! I;m looking at ways if not having to go back to my old job, working the hours I want etc as I really don't want sarah to be in nursey for 10+ hours a day and would like to be able to work around the groups that we have established ourselves in, as well as not wanting to miss out on her growing up!

However, the contract on our (rented) accomodation states that the house must be used for residential purposes only and that we aren't allowed to operate a business. So, can I run one from a PO box? can anyone think of another way to get round it? I supposed I could speak to the landlord, show him what i want to do (once I have decided) and see if he'll let me - I'm assuming its incase the business went bankrupt/ccjs etc but as it would be a suppliment to H's income he might waiver... Another option is to go in with next door who I know is interested too and this couls also potentially make hours even more flexible (although the amount I make would obviously be halved too, and there isn't necessarily double the business potential!). I don't want to rent a business premise as that is going to majorly increase outgoings so I'll end up working full time anyway to cover the extra rent!

Anyone got any bright ideas?

Are you sure it just means that you couldn't start running a business like selling cars etc from your home?  If you're just using your home as an office for yourself I can't see why they wouldn't allow that?  It's only like working from home?  I know our house has some sort of similar covenant on it but the solicitor said its really to stop hoards of people suddenly turning up at your house ie if you suddenly tried to open up your front room as shop and wouldn't apply if it was running a business and I was just using it as an office.  Hope that makes sense!

Hugo Brambles:

Are you sure it just means that you couldn't start running a business like selling cars etc from your home?  If you're just using your home as an office for yourself I can't see why they wouldn't allow that?  It's only like working from home?  I know our house has some sort of similar covenant on it but the solicitor said its really to stop hoards of people suddenly turning up at your house ie if you suddenly tried to open up your front room as shop and wouldn't apply if it was running a business and I was just using it as an office.  Hope that makes sense!

no idea! the wording is: 'The tenant shall use the property for residential purposes only and shall not (nor allow others to) operate a business at the property or use it for improper. immoral or illegal purposes'

if that is of any help! I suppose I need to start with contacting my letting agents and finding out exactly what i can and can't do!!

Ummm.....I don't know then, as you say your letting agents/solicitor should be able to tell you for sure.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

We had something similar with our house (even though it's one we've bought, not a rental) and I queried this with the solicitor.  She said that there are some businesses that aren't affected by it and I'd be fine selling my cakes as long as there weren't hoards of people coming to the house.  She said it was to do with how it affected others in the area but being's my cakes don't have any impact in that way then it'd be fine.

Might be worth checking with the CAB or something?

what is CAB <insert thicko icon!>

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

When we were renting a house I started up as a childminder, our agreement said that we couldn't use the premises for business purposes but on contacting the landlord he agreed that I could do childminding, they usually don't like it if your address is being advertised anywhere, thats what the agents explained to me anyway, I guess it is down to the landlord, if renting of course.