Running a Business from Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Doing It in a Residential Estate

In today’s world, more people are working from home and even launching businesses right from their living rooms. This shift brings flexibility and opportunity—but it also comes with certain challenges when you're living in a shared residential community.

As residents of the Estate, it's important to understand how home-based businesses can impact the environment we all share—and what can be done to ensure that everyone's needs are respected.

Why It Matters

When homes double as workplaces, it can sometimes affect the peace, safety, and overall experience of living in a residential estate. Some of the common issues that arise include:

1. Increased Traffic                                                                                        

   More visitors and delivery vehicles coming in and out can change the quiet, low-traffic atmosphere many residents value.

   
   

2. Security Concerns                                                                                   

   A steady stream of unfamiliar faces may raise concerns, especially in estates with controlled access or private security.

   
   

3. Limited Parking                             

   Visitors or business-related vehicles may take up parking meant for residents and their guests.

   
   

4. Noise Levels

   Business operations, even low-key ones, can generate noise—especially if they involve clients, machinery, or frequent deliveries.

   
   

Liability Risks You Might Not Have Considered

Running a business from home might seem like a low-risk endeavour, especially if it doesn’t involve heavy equipment or large numbers of clients. However, it’s important to understand that liability risks still exist—and they can have serious consequences.

One key area of concern is what happens if a visitor, whether a client, supplier, or delivery person, gets injured on the property or elsewhere within the estate.

As a homeowner, you could be held personally liable for any injury or damage caused by your business-related visitors while they are on the estate. This includes damage to common property or neighbouring units, as well as personal injuries. These risks are often overlooked until something goes wrong, by which point it may be too late to avoid legal or financial consequences.

But it's not just individual owners who need to be aware—Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and Body Corporates may also bear some responsibility in certain circumstances. If an injury or incident occurs due to poor maintenance of communal areas (like uneven walkways, inadequate lighting, or malfunctioning gates), the HOA or Body Corporate could be held liable. This includes injuries sustained by your visitors, even if they're present for business-related reasons.

Because of this, it's crucial for both homeowners and estate management bodies to have appropriate insurance cover and clear policies in place. These should outline:

• Responsibilities of owners regarding their guests and clients

• The scope of the estate’s insurance coverage

• Required personal liability cover for homeowners running businesses from their units

  
  

Ultimately, understanding and managing liability isn’t about discouraging entrepreneurship—it’s about protecting yourself, your community, and the estate as a whole.

Why Community Rules Are Important

To keep the estate safe, peaceful, and functional for everyone, certain guidelines around home-based businesses are often necessary. These might include:

• What types of businesses are allowed

• Business operating hours

• Rules around client visits, parking, and deliveries

• Safety and security measures

• Insurance or liability coverage requirements

  
  

These rules are not there to stifle entrepreneurship—they’re meant to create a fair balance between personal business pursuits and shared residential living.

Need Help Understanding or Complying with the Rules?

At VST Attorneys, we understand the complexities of managing residential communities in the age of remote work and entrepreneurship. Our team provides expert legal advice and customised solutions to help HOAs and Body Corporates navigate this changing landscape.

Let us assist you in creating a safe, regulated, and forward-thinking community—one that accommodates today’s business realities while protecting the integrity and harmony of your estate.

Contact us today to find out how we can support your community’s needs.