Launch a Private Household Services Business in London, Ontario
This page gives you a practical, step-by-step plan to launch a Private Household Services business in London, Ontario (NAICS 814110). It breaks down the process into nine clear requirements, plus what permits you might need, expected costs, and a realistic timeline from first idea to first client. It’s designed to be encouraging and doable, so you can start confidently.
What you’ll learn include: how to register a business name, handle GST/HST and payroll registrations, determine whether a local home-based permit is needed, secure liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage, open a business bank account, draft client agreements and privacy safeguards, and plan pricing and a practical launch timeline you can actually hit.
London, Ontario is a friendly, affordable place to launch. A growing demand for trusted in-home help, a supportive small-business ecosystem, and access to local resources make it easier to grow your Private Household Services business while you build your client base.
Requirements Overview
Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance is the foundational legal obligation for any employer in London, Ontario. You cannot legally operate a private household business unless you meet these safety requirements. This means creating a safe work environment, conducting hazard assessments, providing training and protective gear, and reporting workplace injuries as required. Good safety protects everyone and helps you avoid penalties and interruptions.
Beyond safety, you’ll need key permits and employer obligations. Get a Business Licence from your city, and register a business name with ServiceOntario if you’ll operate under a name other than your own. For private household employers, follow Employment Standards rules—minimum wage, hours, breaks, vacation pay, and accurate payroll records. These steps keep you compliant and protect workers.
Tax and registration needs go hand in hand. Open a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and register your business name with ServiceOntario if applicable. GST/HST registration is required if your revenue tops the threshold (currently $30,000). You’ll also handle payroll deductions through your BN and, if you have employees, check WSIB coverage requirements and set up coverage as needed.
Next steps: confirm what licences you need in London, draft a simple safety and payroll plan, and start the registration process. Consider a quick chat with a local small-business advisor to tailor these steps to your setup. With clear registration and a solid plan, you’ll be well on your way to running a compliant private household service.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a private households in London:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of London. Apply to City of London 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 London Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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