Can I run a business from my rented property?

You will probably find that there is an express term in your tenancy agreement that forbids you from using your rented property for anything other than residential purposes i.e you must only live there and not run any businesses from your property. It is very common for many people in all different sectors to 'work from home' from time to time. A property would be deemed to be being used for 'non-residential purposes' if company stock was being stored there, you registered a business at the addresss or you had a sole or multi-person workforce operating from the premises. Using a rented property as a bed and breakfast, child minding and renting rooms or similar would be classed as 'running a business' and thus also not be allowed.  This would breach such terms of your tenancy agreement.

Commercial and residential tenancy agreements are very different and if you choose to use your rented property to run a business without consent then you run the risk of putting yours and your landlord's rights in jeopardy and could face heavy fines. You should not undertake any form of business without ensuring that your tenancy agreement is appropriate for the purposes for which the property is being used.