Launch a Hamilton Private Household Business in 9 Steps
Thinking about turning your private household skills into a small business in Hamilton? This page gives you a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Private Household operation (NAICS 814110) right in your city. You’ll get a clear overview of the 9 requirements you’ll need to meet, plus practical guidance on permits, registrations, and typical startup costs. We’ll also outline a realistic timeline to help you plan and stay on track.
What you’ll learn: how to register your business in Hamilton, the permits you may need, insurance basics, and how to source compliant supplies. We’ll walk you through the 9 requirements, and give you a practical budget for equipment, marketing, and miscellaneous costs. Expect a clear timeline from idea to launch with milestones and contingency plans.
Why Hamilton? The city offers a family-focused community, supportive small-business networks, and a growing demand for trusted in-home services. Starting here with NAICS 814110 can position you to serve local households quickly, with a straightforward path to licensing, basic employer protections, and steady growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a private household in Hamilton is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal requirement for any employer who hires staff, and you cannot operate without meeting OHSA rules, including maintaining a safe workplace and providing necessary training. It is non-negotiable and forms the foundation for every other step you take to set up and run your household business.
Next come the mandatory operational requirements that keep your day-to-day running compliant: follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act for workplace safety, meet private household employer obligations (such as proper supervision, record-keeping, and fair treatment of workers), and observe Employment Standards compliance (covering wages, hours, vacation, and leaves). If you have employees, you’ll also need WSIB coverage to protect workers in case of injury. Grouping these together helps you plan a safe, fair, and compliant operation from the start.
On the business and tax side, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the federal government to handle taxes and payroll. If you operate under a name other than your own, you should register your Ontario business name with ServiceOntario. You’ll also determine whether GST/HST registration applies and complete Payroll Deductions Registration so you can remit the correct amounts to the government. These registrations keep your finances transparent and compliant as you grow.
Ready to move forward? Start by confirming OHSA requirements with local authorities, then map out the licenses, registrations, and tax steps you’ll need. Gather the necessary documents, set a realistic budget, and consider speaking with a quick-start advisor or accountant to tailor the plan to your private household. With a clear checklist and small, actionable steps, you’ll be on solid footing and ready to proceed.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a private households in Hamilton:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Hamilton. Apply to City of Hamilton for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Hamilton Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Private Household Employer Obligations ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Households employing domestic workers must comply with employment standards, minimum wage, payroll deductions, WSIB coverage, and worker rights. Household employers (nannies, caregivers, housekeepers) must comply with ESA. CPP/EI deductions required. T4 slip issuance. ROE on separation. ESA applies: min wage, overtime, vacation, statutory holidays. Written employment contract recommended. Caregiver tax credit available. LMIA if foreign worker. Contact ESDC or CRA.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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