Legal Question - can a renter sign location release?
 

Hi guys! I'm trying to do a quick project for a contest. You have to have releases for everything. I want to shoot at my apartment but don't want to get screwed in the end. Anyone know if you need the renter (me) or the actual owner of the building to sign that location release? Is it different for interior and exterior?

Thanks!

Hi Elizabeth, welcome aboard (H)DV Info Net.

I'm about 99% sure you need the owners signature on that release

Hopefully, an attorney here will chip in with a definitive answer.

I believe that major factors involved would be the wording of the lease (leased for private or for commercial use?) and whether or not the location was identifiable in the footage.

IMO if you are shooting interior of your apartment scenes you don't need the release from landlord ... owner would probably ask that you have liability insurance ..
if you are shooting the exterior of the building and it can be identified then get a release ...

now if you have a crew that is running around in hallways , leaving front doors open , disturbing other renters you might want to get permission to shoot there from owner of building ...

I don't think we have an attorneys here. I'd CYA and have the owner sign it.

heath