Can I run Online Business in a Rented Residential Space (MUMBAI) with 2-3 employees

Q: I run an online business (alone), now I plan to scale my business and move from working from home to renting a space to include more members in my business.

Since commercial space prices are very high I'm planning to rent a residential space and work with 2-3 employees.

The space will have a one big table. 3-4 chairs, 3-4 laptops and that's it. All the work will be online.

I've researched online and read that certain professions are allowed to use residential place, however nothing is available for my kind of online work.

Can you guide me on to get started with it. Basically the work will be all online and no inclusion of clients or dealers.

Abhishek Tavasalkar, Mumbai

2nd August 2016

Rentals in Mulund East, Mumbai

tenant applications

residence use for office work

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Replies (2)

According to me, the landlord may be allowed to restrict you from registering a business or running ads with that address. You can use a registered agent, which is basically a friend who let's you use their address to register the business. All official mail goes to that address. Just make sure they are the type of person who will forward your mail to you. I am telling you because most zoning laws wouldn't allow to run ur business from rented flat.

Shaunak Verdla, Mumbai

3rd August 2016

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I don't think there should be any issue in ur business as you r saying that only 2-3 staffs will come to operate your business. But one thing keep in your mind that when u have traffic-clients and visitors......that the neighbor start to care. Better, if you check it out with your local authorities first.

Sashidharan,

3rd August 2016

Hi Abhishek!!
Depends on the type of business you r running. An internet business is OK. A phone based business is too OK. But remember NO employees in the residence. Otherwise landlord may charge extra for that. Visit the client in a cafe instead of them coming to you. Shared work places and places like Regus to handle incoming calls and mail. The reason they do this is because the insurance does not cover 'visitors', stored goods or fires caused by equipment. This is residential insurance which is cheaper for the landlord. Breach it and expect a lawsuit, cause a problem and you will be broke forever or running to another country.

Vaibhav Mulay, Mumbai

3rd August 2016

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