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In my town, even home-based businesses require a business license. Is one required in your area? If required, and you don't have one (which may include paying local business taxes), that may not help your situation, either
I work from home as a computer programmer. I like to be outside, so work at a desk in a Costco-style carport tent in my backyard. Across the street, my neighbor has a similar carport in the same place so this is not an issue. Somebody told my landlord that someone is living in a tent in my yard so she came by to see for herself today, with my permission and blessing.
She was pretty put off by the fact that I am working out here: "this yard isn't really intended to be used as an office." Finally it came down to the extension cord that comes out here being a hazard in her opinion, especially once it begins to rain.
She's told me that she will be sending me an addendum to my agreement that specifies that I will need to vacate my outside office by November first and throughout the "rainy season."
Is this something that they can dictate or enforce?
Thanks
I agree that you would have to agree to sign any addendum. But, I think she's being quite fair. She didn't say take it down immediately.
Why not look into a portable power pack? You could take it in with you to charge overnight, then use it in your carport when you're working. No plugs that could short out. You could ask her if that would be acceptable.
But, she could probably find something in the lease, as someone else mentioned that she could point to if she wanted you to take it down altogether. If she's only worried about the power cord, though, ask her about getting a portable power source. Not a generator, as they're noisy and smelly. Something like this:
I like to be outside, so work at a desk in a Costco-style carport tent in my backyard.
I bet your neighbor has a car under it, not a desk. I too would have complained if you were my neighbor. Go inside like a normal person and do your work by the window. That tent and desk is an eyesore.
I for one would like to see images of this car-port/outside desk area.
It must look horrible to be causing such a ruckus. Maybe replace the ugly boxy desk with some nice outside furniture and comfy lounge chairs and you are good to go.
I would LOVE to be able to work outside on my computer when the weather is nice.
I bet your neighbor has a car under it, not a desk. I too would have complained if you were my neighbor. Go inside like a normal person and do your work by the window. That tent and desk is an eyesore.
This^^^. I would complain also if you were my neighbor.
When it's nice out and people want to work outside, they haul out their laptop and sit in the sun. They don't put up a carport sized tent and haul out a desk to put under it. Working in front of an open window will have the same effect as working under a tent.
OP, it's probably and eyesore for the neighbors and the landlord. She probably wants it down because of that. The power cord argument is just an excuse that she's using to get you to take it down.
Yep! You live in a Residence ...place would need Rezoning for Business.
What people need to understand though is that working from home and operating a business out of the home to the extent that the zoning laws come into play are very different concepts. The way the OP describes it, he is doing the former and that is really his own business. There is actually case law in many states which has made it clear that the distinction exists and the landlord cannot prohibit someone working from the residence when it is in the telecommuting form.
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