Running a Business From Home in Ontario: 7 Legal Checks

Many Ontario businesses start at the kitchen table. A few early checks will keep a home-based business on solid legal ground.

The 7 checks

1. Zoning and by-laws: many municipalities allow home occupations but limit signs, employees, customer visits and parking.
2. Business licence: some businesses need a municipal licence, for example those involving food or personal services.
3. Your lease: check whether your lease restricts business use, and talk to your landlord if it does.
4. Condo rules: your condominium's declaration and rules may limit business use.
5. Insurance: home insurance often doesn't cover business activities or equipment, so ask about a business endorsement or policy.
6. Business name: register your business name if you operate under a name other than your own.
7. HST: you generally must register for HST once your taxable revenue goes over $30,000 in four consecutive quarters.

Customers at your home

If clients visit, keep walkways clear and safe, since occupiers have a duty to keep visitors reasonably safe.

Keep it separate

Use a separate bank account, and keep business records apart from personal ones.

Sources

• Ontario: register a business name
• CRA: when to register for GST/HST
• Occupiers' Liability Act

Read next: Signing a Personal Guarantee: Think Before You Sign

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 15 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

Photos from Pexels: A bright home office · A small model house with a key.

This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.