Q Recently I left my job and have decided to start my own business. Am I permitted to operate a business out of my condominium unit?

–Enterprising Entrepreneur

A “Like many questions involving condominiums, the answer to this question depends upon your condominium documents,” says attorney Henry Goodman of Goodman, Shapiro & Lombardi, LLC in Dedham, Massachusetts, and Providence Rhode Island. “Quite frequently, condominium documents provide that the units are solely for residential use. This will prohibit most commercial activities. Further, zoning bylaws applicable to the HOA may also prohibit commercial activities.

“It is to be noted that quite frequently a commercial activity that does not involve customer traffic or employees may be permitted, such as in the case of a "cottage industry," home or professional office. A review of your condominium documents, zoning bylaws and court rulings would be in order to answer this question with any specificity.”