Have you ever imagined your home on the big screen—or earning thousands of dollars a day while you’re away at work? Renting out your house as a film location is not just a fantasy; it’s a smart way for homeowners to generate real passive income with minimal effort.
Whether you own a sleek condo, a charming brownstone, or a spacious family home, production teams are always looking for unique locations for commercials, TV shows, movies, and photo shoots. And the best part? You could be earning anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000+ per day.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how it works, how much you can earn, and how platforms like Set Scouter make the process easier—and more rewarding—than ever.
Why Rent Your Home for Film and Photo Shoots?
Let’s start with the why. Renting out your home to film productions comes with several unique advantages:
- High Earning Potential: Rates typically range from $1,000 to $4,000 per day, depending on your home’s style, location, and size. Luxury homes, stylish condos, and distinctive properties can fetch even more.
- Minimal Disruption: Most Set Scouter shoots last 8–12 hours and are supervised by location professionals. You can even be off-site while it happens.
- No Long-Term Commitments: Unlike long-term rentals or Airbnb, film shoots are usually one-day bookings or short multi-day shoots.
- Low Wear and Tear: Crews are experienced in filming without damaging properties. Most productions are insured and respectful of the space.
What Kinds of Homes Are in Demand?
You don’t need to live in a mansion to get booked. Productions need all types of homes to match different storylines, including:
- Modern, minimalist condos
- Vintage or character homes
- Suburban family houses
- Urban lofts or industrial spaces
- Cozy cottages and bungalows
- Commercial spaces like salons, studios, cafés
Even average homes get booked—because they reflect “real life.” What matters most is cleanliness, good lighting, and versatility.
How to Prepare Your Home for a Shoot
Prepping your home doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Here are some basics:
- Declutter & Clean: Tidy up visible spaces. Productions will bring their own props.
- Highlight Natural Light: Open blinds and remove dark curtains.
- Clear Away Personal Items: Photos, valuables, and personal belongings should be stored away.
- Be Flexible: Let producers know which areas can be used, and which are off-limits.
- Take Great Photos: Crisp, well-lit pictures of each room will help your listing stand out.
What About Contracts, Insurance & Safety?
Reputable platforms like Set Scouter and producers take protection seriously. Here’s what to expect:
- Location Agreement: This outlines the rules, shoot duration, rate, and any special considerations.
- Insurance Coverage: Most productions carry production insurance that covers accidental damage or liability.
- Security Deposits: Many productions are also required to provide a refundable security deposit, which adds an extra layer of protection for any unexpected issues.
Where to List Your Home as a Film Location
If you’re ready to rent out your home but not sure where to start, there are several ways to get your space in front of producers and location scouts:
Local Film Commissions
Most cities have a local film office or film commission that helps productions find locations. You can reach out to see if they maintain a location database or if they accept homeowner submissions. However, these databases often prioritize commercial or government-owned properties over private residences, so response times and listing visibility can vary.
Film Location Managers (Rarely Direct)
Some productions hire professional location managers who scout and secure spaces. While it’s possible to be discovered by one of these professionals, it’s rare for homeowners to be contacted directly unless their home already has some industry exposure. Building those relationships independently can be difficult without industry connections.
Online Film Location Marketplaces
For most homeowners, the easiest and most effective route is using online platforms that connect properties with production teams. Here are the top options:
- Set Scouter – Built specifically for filming, with verified producers, insured shoots, and homeowner protections. You keep 100% of your rate.
- Peerspace – Popular for both events and shoots, though they take a commission and your home may also be booked for non-filming events.
- Giggster – Focuses on film and photo shoots, but homeowners should review terms carefully, as fees and communication policies vary.
These platforms allow you to create a listing, set your own rates and rules, and be contacted directly by production teams. They’re ideal for homeowners who want full control with minimal hassle.
Why Choose Set Scouter?
Set Scouter is a platform designed specifically to help homeowners earn passive income by connecting them with professional, insured productions.
Here’s how Set Scouter stands out from the rest:
- You keep 100% of your published rate – no hidden fees or platform commissions. What you charge is what you earn.
- Privacy-first – your contact information is never shared unless a producer submits a formal viewing request and passes our verification checks.
- Stress-free process – our team supports you from start to finish, whether it’s your first time or your 50th booking.
Compared to other platforms that may charge high commissions, accept unverified users, or expose your personal contact info right away, Set Scouter is built to protect your time, your space, and your income.
How to Get Started
Renting your home on Set Scouter is simple and free:
- Create an account at www.setscouter.com
- Upload your property details – include high-quality photos and available shoot spaces
- Set your rate – you’re in control of your pricing and availability
- Get discovered by production teams – once a producer requests a viewing, our team will walk you through the next steps
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward way to earn passive income—and don’t mind a film crew turning your living room into a movie set—then renting your home as a film location might be your next side hustle.
With platforms like Set Scouter, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your property and privacy are protected, while earning top dollar for your unique space.
Check out our community page for more guides on how to make Set Scouter work for you!
Ready to turn your home into a set and earn passive income?
👉 List your property on Set Scouter today