Start online business from apartment

10838 Views 15 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Amirq312, 5 mo ago

loofelevi

Discussion Starter · Sep 12, 2008

Hi,

I am in the process of starting an online business from my apartment, but I don't know if it is legal. On my lease it is stated that I cannot do business. I'm assuming it refers to people coming in and out of the apartment. But I only plan to run the business from my computer, online.

Is there a special business registration or license for an online business that is run from an apartment?

Is there zoning issues for an online business?

Can someone please point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance.

Loo

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COEDS

· #2 · Sep 12, 2008

I want to say this,I'm not telling you what to do. If I were in your position I would go forward and follow my dream. I think as long as you don't have foot traffic, nobody will ever know. I started my business in the basement of my Condo and nobody was ever the wiser. .... JB

Reactions: 1

queerrep

· #3 · Sep 12, 2008

Before I bought the condo that I live in and work from now, I lived in an apartment and worked out of it. The landlord knew what I did and didn't care. I really think they are referring to foot traffic, noise violations, parking situation, etc.

Reactions: 1

Jasonda

· #4 · Sep 12, 2008

Lou,

You need to contact your local city hall to find out the regulations for starting a home based business because it is different in every state and country. Some places might require a letter from your landlord to give you a business license.

If you explain to your landlord that you will not have people in and out and it will be conducted solely over the internet they might not have a problem with it. Better to ask now than get evicted later.

Reactions: 1

loofelevi

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 13, 2008

Thank you all for the help.

Jasonda, Im gonna go ahead and ask my landlord.

Thanks again.

Loo

Pamela3

· #6 · Sep 14, 2008

loofelevi said:
Hi,

I am in the process of starting an online business from my apartment, but I don't know if it is legal. On my lease it is stated that I cannot do business. I'm assuming it refers to people coming in and out of the apartment. But I only plan to run the business from my computer, online.

Is there a special business registration or license for an online business that is run from an apartment?

Is there zoning issues for an online business?

Can someone please point me in the right direction?

Thanks in advance.

Loo

I am also trying to start a business while living in an apartment. I found out some things while researching sites online like the small business association www.sba.com I think is the url. they have a lot of resources there with help for these kinds of questions and also getting the state website for your state helps too. I think internet sales is different than other types. But good luck in your start up.

TripleT

· #7 · Sep 15, 2008

loofelevi said:
Is there a special business registration or license for an online business that is run from an apartment?

Hi, Loo - You probably will need a permit (licence) from your city and county to go along with you licence from your state. I don't see any problem with running an on-line business from your apartment. Call your city. Good Luck!

EntropyGuy

· #8 · Sep 16, 2008

Keep liability insurance in mind. It covers you when a customer, vendor, delivery guy trips and falls in your business (in this case, apartment). You can also look into inexpensive office suites where you get one small office in with a bunch of businesses that often share resources like a receptionist, fax, conference rooms, etc.

R.

AngelStorm

· #9 · Sep 19, 2008

My husband always says it's easier to get forgiveness than permission. I've been running by business out of my house on and off for 20 years... never had a problem, never asked about licensing, have a tax number, and pay my taxes.

I guess I'm okay...

COEDS

· #10 · Sep 19, 2008

AngelStorm said:
My husband always says it's easier to get forgiveness than permission. I've been running by business out of my house on and off for 20 years... never had a problem, never asked about licensing, have a tax number, and pay my taxes.

I guess I'm okay...

I 100 % agree with your husband. I feel if you pay the bills,what you do is your business. .... JB

TripleT

· #11 · Sep 19, 2008

COEDS said:
I 100 % agree with your husband. I feel if you pay the bills,what you do is your business. .... JB

In theory I agree with you, JB, but in practice, I have to disagree with you on that.

If someone is serious about running their business from home, they should spend the couple of hundred bucks to make sure they are fully compliant with all the legal requirements. If the business is just a hobby, then it's not so important.

A few things to consider. Without a licence you can't incorporate - can't get business insurance - can't get a health insurance plan for the employees if you have any - can't make more than $100,000. etc.

So, if you're going to do something, why not just do it right?

COEDS

· #12 · Sep 19, 2008

Tom, I think for someone starting out a tax Id# and desire are the keys. If the business gets going and the other factors you mentioned come into play the other hoops can be attained. I think having someone give you permission to use your property the way you want is wrong. I support you are the right things to do , according to the law. I just feel to get your feet wet in a business to have to jump through all those hoops is isn't needed. This is my opinion and I'm only giving my thoughts. I would never advise people to do anything,that they are not comfortable with. .... JB

Reactions: 1

TripleT

· #13 · Sep 19, 2008

Many different ways to look at it. I hope all our opinions have given Loo (or is it Lou) something to think about.

kpk703

· #14 · Sep 20, 2008

Do people that sell stuff on eBay need a business license, or tax id? No. Do they need permission from a landlord? No. You can run a business as a sole proprietor, as long as you report the income on your tax returns without the heavier business identity. That being said, God willing you'll be there some day, and should you want an employee, etc., you'll transition to a formal business entity. Can a landlord forbid you from running an on-line business? Really? That seems, forgive the term, Un-American. I understand the foot traffic and all, but UPS and FedEx come to my neighborhood all the time, so deliveries shouldn't be an issue. And I'm not worried about a delivery guy falling when delivering t-shirts to me any more than if he slipped delivering me a TV (actually, I'd probably be more concerned about the TV!) But maybe some states, cities or other municipalities have strange rules, so I'll give the standard, check with an attorney statement.

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EXTouch

· #15 · Sep 20, 2008

Yeah, I think most leasing offices are referring to the foot traffic aspect of a business. If you want to be safe, you can ask.

I mean, if your "business" is selling Avon, I doubt that's just cause to evict you, lol.

IMO, you should be good.

Amirq312

· #16 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

With our experience of residing in an apartment in Achrafieh and successfully starting an online business from our home, we are well-equipped to provide valuable advice on how to navigate the process of establishing an online business while living in an apartment. Our firsthand knowledge of the unique challenges and considerations involved in this endeavor makes us a credible source of guidance for others looking to do the same.

Starting an online business from your apartment can be a great way to work from home, but it's important to understand any legal and zoning restrictions that may apply. Here are a few things to consider:

Lease agreement: Review your lease agreement carefully to understand any restrictions on running a business from your apartment. If your lease prohibits you from conducting business, you may need to speak with your landlord to obtain permission.
Zoning laws: Zoning laws vary depending on your location and the type of business you plan to run. Check with your local government or zoning board to understand any zoning regulations that may apply to your business.
Business registration and licenses: Depending on the type of business you plan to run, you may need to register your business and obtain any necessary licenses. This can include registering for taxes, obtaining a business license, or registering for any industry-specific licenses or permits. Check with your local government or Chamber of Commerce to understand the specific requirements in your area.
Online business regulations: Running an online business may have additional regulations, depending on the nature of the business and the location of the business. Research the specific regulations that apply to your business and ensure that you are following all local, state, and federal laws.
Homeowners association: If your apartment is part of a homeowners association, you may need to check with them to see if there are any rules or regulations that you need to follow.

It's important to do your research and consult with professionals such as lawyers, accountants, and business experts before starting your online business, to ensure that you are aware of any legal and zoning issues that may apply.

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