Can a Business Rent Out a Film Shoot Without Permission from Property Owner?

Consider this, you’re a business owner who rents your office or other space from a private property owner. You might be wondering what the rules are regarding your use of the space. Filming on private property almost always requires explicit permission from the property owner. But the rules may vary if you’re renting the property. Can a business rent out a film shoot without permission from property owner?

Business Renter’s Rights

The landlord has his or her own explicit rights when they rent property out to a business, and in doing so, the business renter also has rights.

While the landlord may not prevent you from operating your business as you wish and has little control over the guest or patrons you allow on business property that you rent, there are usually tenancy agreements which explicitly state that you may not sublease the property.

Sublease

Subleasing means that you are renting the property out to someone else, who is not named on the original property lease that you signed when you rented the property. So, can a business rent out a film shoot without permission from the property owner?

Generally, if you have a clause in your lease that states you may not sublease the property, it means that you cannot rent out a film shoot on the property or otherwise profit off of the property by leasing it for use to others.

Private Property Owners

If you’re the owner of the private property where you run your business, your rights are, of course, different from those of a rental tenant.

As a private property owner, if you’re wondering, “Can a business rent out a film shoot without permission from property owner?” the answer again is – NO!

A business, other than that which you own, cannot not rent out your property to a film company for a shoot, without asking your permission first.

However, if you own private property and you run your own business on the property, and you would like to rent the area out to a film production company for the purpose of a film shoot – you may do so!

Asking Permission from Property Owners

Legally, businesses that rent property for their own business use should ask permission from the property owner if they wish to otherwise lease the property out to a film company for a film shoot. Asking permission from the property owner shouldn’t be something to be avoided.

Make Intentions Clear

If you’re open and honest about the intended use of the property and the owner is able to speak with the film company about their intentions? There’s a very strong likelihood that things will go well. And an agreement will be made to allow for the use of the property.

Just remember, if you’re the film company that is seeking permission, “Can a business rent out a film shoot without permission from property owner?” NO!

Make sure that you ask permission from the business owner, and the private property owner, before a film shoot – and that you get that permission in writing!