Filming doc interviews in my rented apt: Do I need a release from landlord?

Elmer_Lang

Elmer_Lang

Well-known member
Hi

I've done a search but can't find specific answer.

I want to film interviews in my rented apt for a documentary, do I need a location release from my landlord?

best
elmerlang
 
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Interesting. Someone knowledgeable said: Unless your rental agreement prohibits you from working from your apartment, I don't think you need anything from your landlord.


 
Probably not. If you're using it as a set (bookcase, desk, lamp...) and aren't disturbing anyone with a lot of gear, crew... then you should be fine.

You would want to get permission if you are specifically prohibited from working out of your apartment (although honestly, that would be a very rare and probably not enforceable restriction). It's more likely that your lease could have a prohibition from running a business out of your apartment (different from working out of your apartment, and not really what you're doing here). It could also have a prohibition from filming (some leases contain these to prevent things like pornography from being shot).

Finally, if you're shooting in public spaces (halls, roof, outside on private building property) you should consider getting permission. Likewise if there is something unique about your apartment that someone can look at and say, "Hey, that's...!"

But for shooting in a nondescript apartment that could be anywhere, without disturbing others.... You should be fine.
 
First off, are utilities included in your rent? If so, then your landlord might have a major objection to you firing up a thousand watts of lights and running them for awhile.

Your rental agreement may not prevent you from working out of your apartment, but local zoning ordinances might.

And what about liability? Suppose one of your interview subjects got hurt. Who would be financially responsible? Would your landlord have deeper pockets, and thus be likely to be sued? If so, he could turn around and sue you. Would he win? Who knows? But you would have to defend yourself in court, which could get expensive.

There are certainly things to be concerned about. The only real answers -- ones you can risk your professional reputation and financial security on -- would have to come from a qualified attorney.
 
David W. Richardson said:
First off, are utilities included in your rent? If so, then your landlord might have a major objection to you firing up a thousand watts of lights and running them for awhile.

Your rental agreement may not prevent you from working out of your apartment, but local zoning ordinances might.

And what about liability? Suppose one of your interview subjects got hurt. Who would be financially responsible? Would your landlord have deeper pockets, and thus be likely to be sued? If so, he could turn around and sue you. Would he win? Who knows? But you would have to defend yourself in court, which could get expensive.

There are certainly things to be concerned about. The only real answers -- ones you can risk your professional reputation and financial security on -- would have to come from a qualified attorney.
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All great points to keep in mind!

As to the OP's original question, a location release won't protect the OP from any of the things you mentioned. Insurance would. In fact, in exchange for giving permission to shoot, property owners will often require indemnification and proof of insurance that cover's the production.
 
keylight said:
All great points to keep in mind!

As to the OP's original question, a location release won't protect the OP from any of the things you mentioned. Insurance would. In fact, in exchange for giving permission to shoot, property owners will often require indemnification and proof of insurance that cover's the production.
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Well a good location agreement would release the property owner from any liability resulting from damage or injury. It would also establish whether or not there would be any payment to the property owner for the use of the property, which would cover the use of utilities issue.

This is a pretty good example of a location agreement:

http://www.ocalafilm.com/pdf/filmlocationagreement.pdf
 
You know, I'd just shoot it. There are a lot of worse things going on in rental housing than shooting interviews. The guy next door turned out to have a marijuana grow operation in his 3 bed house.

Rental insurance that included some liability coverage would be great, protects you for burglaries etc, in a package policy. How much? Total up your assets. $300k might be a good start. I carry $2 million.
 
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