When browsing through photoshoot locations for an upcoming project, you may feel overwhelmed by the options. You might even discover that the ideal place for your shoot is right under your nose. You can transform your home into a source of income by renting out your space for filming. This guide will teach you how to rent your house for filming and reveal the benefits of doing so.

Home Studio List can help you achieve your goals with its curated directory of photoshoot locations. The website connects photographers and filmmakers with homeowners looking to rent out their homes for photo and video shoots.

Why Consider Renting Your House for Filming?

Renting your house for filming is an easy way to earn additional income. It can also be quite a fun experience. Plus, you may see your home featured in a:

Film
TV drama
Fashion campaign
Commercial

If you think your property would be an interesting film location, we’d love for you to share some photos with us.

The ideal houses for filming look good and have the room to accommodate all those people and equipment behind the scenes – the film crew, the playback monitors, the lights, the clients, etc.

Earn Extra Income by Hosting Filming

The most obvious reason to host filming at your property is that you get paid! That said, the rate film hosts earn per day varies, and the ability to charge a premium depends on the uniqueness of the location. The film host sets price ranges.

You can charge a high location fee if your property is highly desirable. However, with rates on the lower end, your property will be more attractive to student filmmakers and lower-budget productions.

Help Promote Neighborhood Pride

Not only is it cool to see your property on screen, but there are also other perks to occasionally having to film in your neighborhood. In Greater Los Angeles, the film industry is a leading source of well-paying jobs.

By welcoming filming into your community, you support an ecosystem that employs hundreds of thousands of people and stimulates thousands of local businesses. In some parts of the region, neighbors have banded together to mutually support filming mutually, helping multiple property owners benefit financially from each shoot.

The Cool Factor

Yes, that's cool! How impressed would your friends be when you told them your house was in the uber-popular Twilight series or an Oscar-nominated film such as 12 Years a Slave or Argo? Imagine being famous for owning the house where Walter White and his family live.

Fran and Louie Padilla have lived in their Albuquerque home since 1973 and have said they would never sell it, despite the thousands of visitors it receives each month.

Is Your Property Suitable for Filming? What Filmmakers Look For

a small home - Rent Your House for Filming

When filmmakers scout a property for filming, they are looking for locations that will help them tell their story. Different genres have different needs, and the more a location can accommodate the specific requirements of the production, the better.

For instance, a romantic comedy may require a home that looks welcoming and warm, while a horror film might want a property that looks cold and uninviting. Understanding these nuances will help homeowners market their properties to the right audience.

Steps To Rent Your House For Filming

Renting your house for filming can be exciting and profitable but requires careful preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Research Filming Location Agencies

The first step is connecting with the right people in the industry. Agencies and platforms specialize in matching properties with production teams looking for filming locations. Popular services like Home Studio List allow you to list your property and get it in front of location scouts. Research the platforms to find one that aligns with your property's style and goals.

Prepare Your Home for Filming

Presentation is key. Before listing your house, make sure it looks its best:

Declutter and Clean: Clear out unnecessary items to make the space look larger and more versatile.
Take High-Quality Photos: Use natural lighting to capture your home's most unique features. These images will be the first impression for filmmakers.
Describe Your Property: Write a compelling description highlighting what makes your home special.

Mention details like:

Unique architecture
Ample natural light
Specific features like a garden or large open spaces

Set Competitive Rates

Research the going rates for filming locations in your area. The price can vary greatly depending on your home’s size, location, and unique features. Rates for premium properties may range from a few hundred dollars per day to thousands.

Be clear about what’s included in the cost, such as:

Utilities
Cleaning fees
Furniture rearrangements

List Your Property Online

Now it’s time to showcase your home to production teams. Create a profile on filming location platforms or reach out to local agencies. Include all the essential details:

High-quality images
Property Description
Availability calendar
Rules or restrictions (e.g., no smoking, limited crew size)

Sign a Location Agreement

Once a production company is interested, you’ll need a detailed location agreement. This contract outlines key aspects such as:

The scope of the shoot

Dates
Times
Number of crew members

Payment terms and deposit requirements
Insurance coverage for potential property damage

It’s wise to consult a legal professional to protect your interests.

Manage Filming Logistics

During filming, you may need to:

Coordinate schedules
Secure storage for personal belongings
Prepare for the presence of a large crew

Be available for questions but set boundaries to minimize disruption to your daily life. It’s also good to notify your neighbors about the shoot to prevent complaints.

Evaluate the Experience

After the filming wraps, assess how everything went. Did the production team respect your property? Were there any unexpected challenges? Use this feedback to refine your process for future rentals.

Steps To Rent Your House for Filming On Home Studio List

Before listing, look around your home with fresh eyes. Spaces that stand out on the Home Studio List typically feature:

Stylish décor
Plenty of natural light
Unique aesthetic

It might be the perfect fit if you’ve poured love into your home’s design! Declutter, tidy up and showcase what makes your property unique.

Submit Your Home: Rent Your House for Filming on Home Studio List

When ready, visit the Home Studio List website and submit your space for consideration. Our team of Curators hand-picks homes based on their distinctive style and suitability for creative projects.

Be sure to include high-quality photos highlighting key features, like:

Well-lit rooms
Charming décor
Unique architectural details

The Approval Process: How Renting Your House for Filming Works

Once your submission is in, the Curators will review it to ensure it meets their standards. Home Studio List is renowned for showcasing exceptional properties, so we’re selective about what cuts. If approved, your home will be added to our platform, putting it in front of photographers, filmmakers, and creative professionals searching for the perfect shoot location.

Receive Booking Requests: Rent Your House for Filming on Home Studio List

Once your home is listed, potential renters will begin sending booking inquiries. Home Studio List’s Reservation Managers will help you navigate the process. We act as a bridge between you and the production teams, ensuring all your questions are answered, and every detail is ironed out before filming begins.

Host with Confidence: Rent Your House for Filming on Home Studio List

When the big day arrives, you’ll already have all the logistics. The feedback from renters on Home Studio List is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising how smooth and organised the process is. Thanks to our experienced team, you’ll feel supported every step of the way.

What to Expect as a Homeowner During Filming

Big Crew, Big Equipment

Renting out your home for a film shoot can mean having many extra people in your space, which can be overwhelming if you're unprepared. After all, production crews can range from a small group of five to a full-scale crew with dozens of people.

Expect:

Camera operators
Sound engineers
Lighting technicians
Set designers and more

They’ll bring equipment which may take up significant space in your home, like:

Cameras
Lights
Cables
Props

Alterations to Your Space

To achieve the perfect look, crews might:

Rearrange furniture
Change wall décor
Bring additional props

While most alterations are temporary, they could require moving fragile or valuable items to a safe location. Some productions might also request permission to paint walls or make minor modifications. Always ensure changes are pre-approved in your location agreement.

Early Start Times and Long Hours

Filming days can start as early as sunrise and last 12–14 hours, depending on the shoot's complexity. Prepare for long activity hours, including:

Setup
Filming
Breakdown

If you plan to stay on-site, the activity might feel chaotic, but production teams are generally experienced in keeping things organized.

Restricted Access to Certain Areas

You should restrict parts of your home for filming use while retaining personal areas for yourself. For example, production teams might occupy your living room, kitchen, or outdoor spaces while you keep bedrooms or a home office private. Clarify access boundaries in your contract to avoid confusion.

Noise and Disruption

Filming can be noisy, with:

Conversations
Equipment noises
Occasional power tools for set adjustments

You may also experience frequent vehicle arrivals and departures for crew transport and equipment delivery. You must plan for the noise level if you work from home or have young children.

Presence of Strangers

Since most of the crew will be new to you, it’s natural to feel uneasy at first. However, production teams are typically professional and respectful. You can appoint a point person—yourself or a trusted individual—to oversee interactions and monitor activities to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Potential Wear and Tear

Despite precautions, minor wear and tear may occur. Heavy equipment could scratch floors, walls might get scuffed, or your lawn could show signs of foot traffic. Having a solid location agreement and requiring a refundable damage deposit can help protect your property and provide peace of mind.

Communication with the Team

The production team will frequently consult you to address logistical questions, such as:

Where to park
How to access power outlets
What to do in case of unexpected issues

Maintaining open communication ensures a smoother experience for everyone involved.

Clean-Up Post-Filming

Once filming wraps, the crew is responsible for restoring your property to its original condition. However, this might take several hours or even an additional day. Ensure your contract includes a clause about clean-up responsibilities and a post-filming inspection to verify everything is in order.

Payment and Paperwork

Before filming begins, you should receive a deposit or advance payment. After the shoot, expect the final payment as agreed in your contract. Double-check all paperwork, including damage assessments, to ensure everything is squared away.

What homeowners can do to prepare:

Set Boundaries: Define off-limits areas.
Notify Neighbors: Let them know about the filming schedule to avoid complaints.
Safeguard Valuables: Store delicate or expensive items in a secure location.
Stay Flexible: Filming schedules can shift due to weather or creative needs.

Browse Our Spaces for Your Next Shoot Today

Home Studio List connects photographers and brands with beautifully styled homes and photography studios available for hourly rentals across 40+ states, eliminating the need to haul props or hunt for perfect natural lighting. Our curated spaces are styled and shoot-ready, with on-site hosts to ensure a smooth experience from booking to production day.

With streamlined booking managed by our Reservation Managers, creatives can focus on their craft while we handle all the logistics – simply browse, book, and show up to shoot. Browse our spaces for your next shoot today!

A Complete Guide On How To Rent Your House For Filming