Companies House Default Address : FAQs

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When incorporating a company in the UK, an appropriate address is required as a registered office address. However, if Companies House notices that a company’s existing registered office address is being used without the appropriate approval, they will use the default address.

In this article, you will get to understand what Companies House default address is, when it is used, and the implications of using a default address for your business, not forgetting how you can get rid of this situation.

What is the Companies House default address?

Companies House default address is used when a company’s existing registered office address is being used without proper authorisation. If Companies House determines that a company’s registered office address is unauthorised, they change it to the default address. `

The default address is PO Box 4385, (company number): Companies House default address, Cardiff, CF14 8LH.

For companies registered in Scotland or Ireland, the default address can differ depending upon the current office occupied by Companies House for the default address purpose.

When is a default address used?

The Companies House default address is used when a company’s existing registered office address is being used without proper authorisation.

When someone uses your registered address without authorisation, it’s often a form of address fraud. If you believe your address is being used as a registered office address without your permission, you may file an RP07 (Disputed Registered Office Address) form with any supporting evidence.

If Companies House finds the application to be valid, they will notify the applicant. The company has 28 days to challenge the application if they do not do this (or their case is weak), Companies House will switch the registered office to the default address.

What are the implications of using the default address?

Using the default address provided by Companies House has several implications for a UK limited company such as:

Reputational impact: The default address lacks credibility and professionalism. It may raise concerns among clients, suppliers, ecommerce platforms and investors.

Limited communication: Mail sent to the default address is forwarded to the company, but there may be delays. This can affect timely communication with stakeholders.

Legal notices and compliance: Legal notices, official correspondence, and statutory documents are sent to the registered office address. Using the default address may lead to missing important notifications, which could result in non-compliance with legal requirements.

Risk of penalties: Failure to update the registered office promptly can result in penalties. Companies House may take enforcement action if the default address is not rectified within 28 days.

Loss of privacy: The default address becomes publicly accessible, potentially compromising the privacy of company directors and shareholders.

How can I prevent my address from being used without authorisation?         

To prevent your address from being used without authorisation, you should:

Monitor your address: Regularly check Companies House register to ensure your address is not being used by any companies without your permission.

Secure access: Limit access to your address documents and information. Only authorised personnel should have access to sensitive details.

File an RP07 form: If you suspect unauthorised use of your address, file an RP07 form to request a removal of your address. After 28 days, the default address must be updated to an authorised one.

What is the RP07 process?

The RP07 process involves filing an application to change a company’s disputed registered office address with Companies House. The process involves:

Dispute over registered office address: The RP07 form is used when there’s a dispute regarding a company’s registered office address. This typically happens when a company uses an address without proper authorisation.

Warnings and notifications: Before filing an RP07, Companies House sends warnings to the email address associated with the company’s account or warnings via post. If no action is taken by a specified date, the RP07 is filed.

Notification to company director: Companies House notifies the company’s director/s about the RP07 process. The director/s should be aware of the situation and next steps.

Address change or resolution: If the dispute is resolved, the company can continue using the address. If not, the company may need to change its registered office address.

What should I do if an RP07 has been filed against my company?

If an RP07 has been filed against your company, you should respond promptly.

You should first review the situation and understand the reason behind the RP07 filing. Check if there's a dispute over your company's registered office address.

In cases you used the address without knowing, you should reach out to the person who has filed the application. They may allow you to keep using the address and withdraw their application. If they do not, you should switch the registered office address to a different appropriate address as soon as you can to prevent the default address from being used. File the necessary forms (such as AD01) to update the address officially.

However, if you feel you have the right to use the address, you can send proof to Companies House and wait for them to make a decision.

How to change your company’s address from Companies House default address?

Companies House must be informed of the new address within a specific timeframe. The company directors must also be notified of the change.

The documents required include:

• ·         documentation (such as a leasehold or freehold agreement) proving proprietary rights in the address of the company’s or a group company’s registered office
• ·         an agreement (written) authorising the company to use the address as its registered office
• ·         an address to the company such as a utility bill, at the registered office address in the last six months
• ·         any other information or documents that demonstrate to the registrar that the company has the authority to use the proposed address as its registered office address.

To avoid these implications, it’s crucial to update the registered office address promptly using the AD01 form and provide a legitimate address for official communications. Companies House expects companies to update their address within 28 days.  

FAQ

1. What happens with my company if it has the default address? 

   If a company has the default address it should be updated to “appropriate address” within  28 days. Having an incorrect or default address can have legal implications such as affecting your tax filing and missing important official correspondence or legal notices.

2. My registered office has been changed to Companies House Default address, how can I change the address back to my address?

   To change from default address to your registered address you will have to notify Companies House within a specified time frame. You’ll need to change your registered office address by post using the paper version of form AD01.

   You will have to provide documents that prove your company has the proprietary right to use the address, a written agreement authorising the company to use the address as its registered address, and an address to the company such as a utility bill, at the registered office address in the last six months.

3. How will I know if an RP07 has been filed against my company?

   If an RP07 has been filed against your company, you’ll receive warnings via email before the filing. Once it’s filed, Companies House will send a letter to the company’s directors explaining the process and next steps. If you’ve received this letter, it’s essential to contact them before making any renewal purchases.

4. Can I use the address again after the RP07 has been filed?

   Yes, but it depends on the circumstances. Once you’ve filed the RP07 form to change your registered office address, you can use that address again for your business. The change may take some time to process, so ensure you update your records accordingly.

Icon Offices can help you with fixing a default address with our registered office address service that allows companies to use our addresses as their registered address. If your company’s registered office address is incorrect or unauthorised, we can guide you through the necessary steps.

We can help you update your registered office address from the default address to a regular one. We will ensure you meet legal requirements and provide any necessary documentation.

For more information, contact us at [email protected].