Running a business from home

If you want to run a business from your council home, you must get our permission before you start. This helps protect you, your neighbours and the property. If you have a joint tenant, partner or someone else living with you, they must also agree in writing. We will contact them to confirm this.

What to consider before applying

Your business must not change how your home is used or cause problems for others. Permission is usually possible if the business is low‑impact and fits safely within a residential setting.

Conditions you must follow

If we give permission, these conditions will apply:

• you must not use your home address in advertising or promotions
• you must not put up signs, notices or adverts at the property
• business activity must not cause noise, disturbance, risk or inconvenience to neighbours
• you must not store materials or equipment that could cause harm or nuisance
• you must not make structural changes to the property
• you must allow us access to inspect the property if needed

We may set extra conditions depending on the type of business. We can withdraw permission if conditions are not followed.

What happens after you apply

Submitting the application does not guarantee approval. We only refuse requests when there is a clear reason to do so. We will let you know our decision within 28 days.

Before you apply, please read A guide for Council tenants so you understand your responsibilities.

Take action

• Check the conditions for running a business at home
• Read A guide for Council tenants
• Apply for permission before you start trading

Apply for permission to run a business