Top tips when renting out your house for photo shoots

Sophie Hitchens from Light Locations, has provided us with her top tips on how to get your stunning property in condition to maximise your profits if you do choose to rent your property out for photoshoots:

If you have a stunning and spacious house, it can be exciting and financially rewarding to hire it out for photographic shoots.

To think of seeing your beautiful home in magazines or on TV can be very appealing, and many of our house owners get a real sense of enjoyment from the experience. If you are thinking about hiring out your house, the first step is to check if it’s suitable.

Check our pointers for what makes a great photoshoot location.

Whilst it’s appealing and potentially lucrative, it isn’t a simple case of opening your doors and getting paid. If you are thinking of using your house this way, it’s important to know what you are letting yourself in for:

I really enjoy 90% of the shoots we do, I like the mix of people I meet and it’s always interesting to see what they do. It definitely is not for everyone though and it does require an investment of your time to make a success of it.

Katrina Bear – Owner of Dower House

It isn’t just about having the right house, it’s also about being the right person. You do have to be a certain kind of person to allow a crew of strangers into your house and hand it over to them to do as they will.

Whilst it helps to be someone who values and looks after their space, being too house proud can have its problems. Hiring out your home does come with the risk of potential damage which is important to be aware of.

We know that the combination of the right homes and the right owners works, so if you have a fabulous house and are prepared to put in some work to ensure your house meets the standard required, and you’ve decided to go for it, we’ve put together our top 10 tips with our lovely owner of Dower House to help you once the shoot bookings start to roll in.

Top tips for renting your house out for photoshoots

  • Present your house well and as it is seen on the location website

Make sure it’s clean, tidy and looking good. Adding some fresh flowers or foliage is a nice touch. Have a decorator who you can call on regularly – this is at your own cost but definitely to your benefit.

  • Set the ground rules

Make sure you are clear with your agent on what your house rules are so the client knows what is acceptable and what is not, so this can be passed down to the crews.

  • Give the client a full walk round on a recce day

Point out any high-value items and move them yourself or under supervision on the day of the shoot. Show the client where your electric fuse board is, it’s unlikely to trip but it’s best they know how to access it.

  • Provide all information the crew might need for the day

Make sure the Light Locations folder is left out so they have everything they need to hand. WIFI code, local places to go for lunch, local flower shops etc.

  • Protect your floors

It’s a good idea to protect the floors by the front door and hallway. This enables the crew to come straight in and start unpacking immediately. Supplying additional equipment for the crew to use can further protect your floors – felt adhesive floor pads for furniture, tennis balls for tripods and blankets for floors are some items owners also choose to provide for floor protection.

  • Once the crew arrives, make them feel welcome and at home

Offer them a simple breakfast such as croissants. Make the crew tea and coffee in the morning and have something nice for them to eat when they have a break such as biscuits or fruit.

Some owners make an area available for them to make their own coffee etc. Let the crew know where it is good to get lunch from locally. If the shoot is for multiple days and you have the space, it’s a good idea to allow the crew to keep things set up. It makes the shoot as easy for the team as possible and don’t worry, your house will be back to normal in no time.

  • Be around during the shoot but not in their way

Working from home in a separate room is ideal, so if they have any questions you are to hand.

  • Be around at the beginning and end of the shoot

This means you can control the hours and make sure the house is returned in a good condition. It also avoids potential problems after the shoot. In the very rare instance that you incur damage, make the client and agent know immediately. Photograph the damage for your reference.

  • Get your neighbours onboard

Having nice friendly neighbours can make or break a shoot. This is particularly important at the beginning and end of the day, when everything can become busy outside your property. It pays to let your neighbours know what is happening and when.

  • Keep your property fresh

If your location is very popular and is used frequently. It can be useful to make changes to your house every now and then such as maybe a new wall finish or paint colour. Do let your agent know of any dramatic changes to the property that might require updating the photos.

For more information and to register your property with Light Locations, you can find out more here!

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