If a company uses an address as its registered office without the required authorization, Companies House has the authority to change the company’s registered office to what is known as the ‘Companies House default address’. In this post, we address your questions about the default address. Let’s get started.

What is the Companies House default address?

The default address is used by Companies House if they determine that a company’s registered office address is being used without the necessary approval.

The default address is: PO Box 4385, [Company number]: Companies House default address, Cardiff, CF14 8LH.

Under what circumstances is the default address used?

If an individual or business believes their address is being used as a registered office address without permission, they can file an RP07: Application to Change a Company’s Registered Office Address form, along with any supporting evidence.

For instance, if a tenant is using their rented address as a registered office without the landlord’s approval, the landlord can file the RP07.

Companies House will review the application to determine its validity. If deemed legitimate, they will notify the company of the application. The company then has 28 days to contest the application. If the company does not respond or their argument is insufficient, Companies House will change the registered office address to the default address.

Can a company change the registered office from the default address to another address?

It is possible for a company to update the registered office back to a regular address. To do this, the company must file an AD01: Change of registered office Address form. This is available on paper only, as the online version is not an option in this instance. Companies House may also require the following (as specified in the ‘Registrar rules and power’):

• documentation (such as a leasehold or freehold agreement) proving proprietary rights in the address of the registered office for the company or a group company
• a written agreement entitling the company to use the address as its registered office
• a utility bill addressed to the company or a group company at the address of the registered office in the last 6 months
• any other information or documents that satisfy the registrar that the company is authozrised to use the proposed address as its registered office address.

Can a company operate indefinitely with the default address?

Continuing to trade using the default address is not viable. Companies House requires that the default address be updated to a valid address authorized for use by the company within 28 days.

Even without this deadline, using the default address is impractical. The reputational damage associated with having a default address cannot be underestimated. Investors, suppliers, partners, and customers are likely to be deterred by a company with a default address.

Additionally, while Companies House will forward mail sent to the default address, this process requires prior arrangement via email and a visit to Cardiff.

Is the Companies House default address published on the public register?

The Companies House public register shows the default address as the registered office for a company. To verify this, use the ‘advanced company search’ tool, select ‘Registered office address,’ and enter ‘CF14 8LH.’ This will list all companies that currently use the default address. Even if a company changes its registered office from the default address, the historical record of its use remains publicly accessible.

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

If you’ve been informed that your use of an address as a registered office is under scrutiny, it’s important to respond promptly.

In cases of a genuine misunderstanding, contact the individual who raised the concern (their details are provided to you). They may agree to allow you to continue using the address and withdraw their application. If they do not, you should quickly update your registered office address to an alternative address (for which you have permission) to prevent the default address from being applied.

If you believe you are entitled to use the address as your registered office, submit evidence to Companies House to support your claim. You will then need to wait for their decision.

Why has HopeTex filed an RP07 against my company?

Our  Registers Office Address Company allows companies to use our London address as their registered office. The service is priced at £39.00 per year.

If a customer is using our address as their company’s registered office but has not renewed the service, 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.

Thank you for reading

We hope this post has addressed all your questions about the Companies House default address. If you have any additional questions that haven’t been covered, please leave a comment, and we’ll be glad to assist you.