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Starting out questions - esp. will freelancing be a problem with my landlord?
I have a few questions about setting up as a freelancer.
Firstly, I have discovered my rental agreement has a clause against using the property for business purposes. Does anyone know how strict this tends to be interpreted in regards to freelancers? I am a translator, and wouldn't be having any clients come to the house or anything like that. I am worried that my landlord will put his foot down and say "No, you can't do that, it's a breach of contract".
Second question - as a sole trader, trading under my own name, does anyone know if there are any legal requirements for certain information such as address to be clearly displayed (eg on stationery or website)? Or is it ok to just keep this info for invoices and have only phone and email on, say, business cards and website? Don't want to get in trouble for something really tiny and silly like that.
And finally, although I realise that different industries vary, what are your experiences with contracts for jobs with private clients (ie not through an agency)? Clearly I'm going to need some sort of written agreement for jobs I take on, but I'm not sure where to start with this, and for smaller jobs I would feel silly with a long agreement. Any advice gratefully received.
Firstly, I have discovered my rental agreement has a clause against using the property for business purposes. Does anyone know how strict this tends to be interpreted in regards to freelancers? I am a translator, and wouldn't be having any clients come to the house or anything like that. I am worried that my landlord will put his foot down and say "No, you can't do that, it's a breach of contract".
Second question - as a sole trader, trading under my own name, does anyone know if there are any legal requirements for certain information such as address to be clearly displayed (eg on stationery or website)? Or is it ok to just keep this info for invoices and have only phone and email on, say, business cards and website? Don't want to get in trouble for something really tiny and silly like that.
And finally, although I realise that different industries vary, what are your experiences with contracts for jobs with private clients (ie not through an agency)? Clearly I'm going to need some sort of written agreement for jobs I take on, but I'm not sure where to start with this, and for smaller jobs I would feel silly with a long agreement. Any advice gratefully received.
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Rizzo
Messages count : 51Likes count : 0Registration : 5 November 2006I'd check it out with the landlord if it were me. It's a standard clause in all rental agreements, I guess so that it doesn't affect the property itself or the properties around it. But as it's just standard office work with no footflow or whatever the proper term is, I'd think you'd be OK.
I'm fairly sure you are required by law to put your trading name and address on stationery etc - it makes sense to do so anyway really. And yes, a major pitfall for any business is not setting out the terms of business, i.e. the scope of the business, costs agreed etc before starting work. Otherwise you may hit trouble if the client says they understood differently. Check out the guides on the main site like Starting Out etc
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pdmac8
Messages count : 2Likes count : 0Registration : 6 October 2009I would definitely check with the landlord and it will all depend on how well you get on with them as to whether they object or not.
It is also down to the interpretation of where you actually conduct your business, as the clause is in the contract to stop you using rented premises as a home office or workshop etc.
I am sure you will be fine as I know lots of self employed people who live in rented flats and they have no problems.
Good luck