The Default Address for Companies House
Posted on 10th September 2024 at 10:54
In cases where a company utilizes an address as its registered office without obtaining the required authorization, Companies House possesses the authority to alter the company's registered office to the address designated as the 'Companies House default address'.
What is the Companies House default address?
This is the address used by Companies House in instances where they determine that a company's current registered office address is being used without the necessary authorization.
The default address is: PO Box 4385, [Company number]: Companies House default address, Cardiff, CF14 8LH
In what situations is the Companies House default address used?
If an individual or organization suspects that their address is being utilized as a registered office address without their consent, they may submit an RP07: Application to change a company’s registered office address form, accompanied by any relevant supporting documentation. For instance, a tenant residing in a rental property may be using their rented address as a registered office without obtaining permission from the landlord. Upon discovering this, the landlord may proceed to file the RP07.
Companies House will evaluate the application to determine its validity. Should they find the claim to be substantiated, they will notify the company regarding the application. The company will then have a period of 28 days to dispute the application; if they do not respond adequately, Companies House will proceed to amend the registered office to the default address.
Can a company change their registered office from the default address to another address?
A company has the option to revert its registered office to a standard address. To accomplish this, the company is required to submit an AD01 form, which pertains to the change of registered office address. This form is exclusively available in paper format, as an online submission is not permitted in this case. Additionally, Companies House may necessitate certain requirements as outlined in the 'Registrar's rules and powers'.
Documents showing the applicant’s proprietary rights in the address, including leasehold or freehold
A written agreement entitling the applicant to use the address
A utility bill sent to the applicant at the address dated within the last 6 months
Any other information or documents that satisfy the registrar that the company is authorised to use the proposed address as its registered office address.
Is it possible for a company to function indefinitely using the default address?
Trading under the default address is not an option. Companies House mandates that the default address must be updated to an address that the company is authorized to use within 28 days.
Even in the absence of this requirement, it remains impractical to continue trading with the default address.
The potential reputational harm to a company utilizing the default address should not be underestimated. Investors, suppliers, partners, and customers are generally reluctant to engage with a company that bears the negative connotation associated with a default address.
Furthermore, while Companies House permits the collection of mail sent to the default address, this process necessitates prior arrangements through email communication with Companies House and a visit to Cardiff.
Will the Companies House default address be published on the public register for my company?
If the company has the default address as its registered office it will be published on the Companies House public register.
For example if you go on the Companies House website and use the ‘advanced company search’ tool, select the ‘registered office address’ option and enter the postcode for the default address ‘CF14 8LH’. You will then see a list of companies that currently have this address in place.
Please note even if a company updates the registered office from the default address, the previous use of the default address will always be available for the public to see.
What actions should I take if an RP07 has been submitted against my company?
We advise you to act quickly once you become aware that your legitimate use of a registered office has been is under scrutiny.
For cases of a genuine misunderstanding, it is advisable to reach out to the individual who submitted the application, as their contact information is provided to you. They may consent to allow you to continue utilizing the address and retract their application. Should they decline, it is imperative that you promptly change the registered office address to an alternative location for which you have authorization, in order to prevent the default address from being enforced.
If you believe you have the right to use the address as your registered office, you should submit evidence to Companies House demonstrating your entitlement to use the address.
Subsequently, you will need to await Companies House's determination.
Why has CCS Nationwide filed an RP07 against my company?
With our Registered Office Address Service we allow companies to use our Birmingham address as their registered office. The service is priced at £129.00 per year.
If you are using our address as your company’s registered office but have not renewed the service, and failed to pay for your annual renewal we will send multiple email reminders requesting payment. If the customer fails to make payment or change the registered office address after these reminders, we regrettably may have to file the RP07 form.
If this has happened to you and you would like to discuss the matter further, please don’t hesitate to contact us - info@ccsnationwide.co.uk
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