AUKUS - Business from home

Business from home

We support families wherever practicable in the operation of a business from home. Running a business from home involves several considerations. We help manage the application process between the occupant/operator and the landlord.

Before you start a business from home, you must complete a Business from home request. The proposed business must not commence operation until DHA has provided written consent.

As part of DHA's lease agreement with the landlord, the landlord must be informed, and provide consent to, the occupant operating a business from the residence. The landlord may obtain independent legal and insurance advice, or confirm with third parties such as their financier, mortgagee or relevant council about any relevant laws or (strata) rules, to confirm that a business can run at the property.

Approval process

To be considered for approval to operate a business from home, you must meet the following criteria:

If residing in strata or community titled properties, ensure all requirements under the strata or community scheme by-laws are met.
Maintain appropriate insurance, including public liability insurance to at least $10 million for any single event.
Have local council approvals and planning approvals which are applicable to the type of business being operated.
Maintain any other relevant insurance requirements (e.g. equipment or professional indemnity, where required).
Be aware any modifications (if approved) will be at the applicant's expense and required to be restored to a professional standard upon ceasing the business from home.

Business from home application form (Opens in a new tab/window)

IMPORTANT

It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have undertaken due diligence and associated checks on operating a business from home. DHA is unable to provide advice on the requirements to support the application. DHA's role is to facilitate the request between applicant and landlord.

Step by step guide for applying to operate a business from home

Before submitting your request, make sure your home business:
- complies with all relevant local council requirements and regulations
- does not alter the residential nature of the property
- does not create excessive noise, traffic, parking issues or nuisance for neighbours
- does not require modifications to the property without DHA approval
- does not involve storing hazardous, flammable or dangerous materials at the property.
You'll need to provide details about the type of business you operate, how the property will be used and any approvals required from local authorities.
Complete the Business from home request form. The form must be signed by the Defence personnel and the business from home operator.

Note: You can submit the requested supporting documents at time of submitting the application if available. However, if you prefer to wait until consent from the landlord has been provided, then these documents can be supplied later at Step 5. The business cannot commence operating until full unconditional consent has been provided, along with the required supporting documentation.
Submit the completed request form to DHA via an Online Services (Opens in a new tab/window)enquiry.
- Is this enquiry related to a tenancy? Select applicable address (If your request is for a future tenancy please select No as the tenancy address may not be displayed).
- Attachments: Please attach a copy of the completed business from home request form along with any supporting documentation.
  - As noted in step 2: You can submit the requested supporting documents at time of submitting the application if available. However, if you prefer to wait until consent from the landlord has been provided, then these documents can be supplied at Step 4. The business cannot commence operating until full unconditional consent has been provided, along with the required supporting documentation.
- Description: Business from home request.
Outcome of business from home request:

Consent provided by the landlord
If the landlord gives conditional consent, DHA requires all supporting documentation before unconditional consent can be provided.

To finalise your application, all relevant documents (if not already provided) relating to the business operation are required, such as:
- public liability insurance
- any licence or permit required to operate the business
- local council approvals and planning approvals which are applicable to the type of business being operated
- any other relevant insurance requirements (e.g. equipment or professional indemnity, where required)
- for strata or community titled properties, confirmation all requirements under the strata or community scheme by-laws are met.
Consent not provided by the landlord
DHA will contact you to advise the request has been declined by the landlord.
Once all supporting documentation has been received and unconditional consent has been provided by the landlord, you will receive an email from DHA to confirm this. This email will also confirm the business can commence operation.

You need to ensure compliance with the requirements outlined in the Business from home request form, the occupancy agreement and any applicable laws or legislation at all times. Any breach of this will result in the business from home consent being revoked.

Approved business from home compliance requirements during occupancy

DHA may contact you to request updated records of your insurances.

You must provide a copy of your updated public liability insurance certificate of currency, along with any other approvals and insurances requested.

Failure to provide updated documentation may result in the business from home consent being revoked.