Before booking, please review the most common questions about renting from LA Film Rentals. If you do not see your answer here, contact us and we’ll help you figure it out — preferably before the shoot day panic texts begin.
To rent from LA Film Rentals, complete the 5-point checklist on our New Renters page. This includes selecting the equipment you wish to rent, signing and submitting the rental agreement, completing the credit card authorization form, submitting your COI or providing a credit card with replacement-value deposit, and uploading your photo ID.
You will need proof of insurance, a completed rental agreement, photo ID, and a credit card authorization form if paying by credit card.
If you do not have production equipment rental insurance, you may rent through our ShareGrid or KitSplit profiles, where insurance may be added at checkout. You may also secure long-term production insurance through providers such as Athos Insurance or Heffernan Insurance.
Select the rental days, add items to the cart, and view your cart for pricing. You may also complete our custom quote request form if you need help building a package.
Yes. If the rental periods are not concurrent, you will need to place separate rentals for each batch of dates.
Yes, depending on availability. Contact us to check crew or production support options for the desired role, task, or equipment package.
Payment in full is due before the rental is picked up. Payment also secures your reservation and helps guarantee equipment availability.
We accept major credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo, and cash. A credit card is required for all rentals for damage or loss replacement purposes.
We do not accept Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies at this time.
If you have approved annual production insurance, we do not charge a deposit. Deposits are charged for the full replacement value of the rented items when no annual insurance is submitted.
Yes. We require rental insurance in an amount equal to or greater than the replacement value of the items being rented. You may provide proof of insurance through a COI, or rent through one of our partners where rental coverage may be secured at checkout.
Yes. We verify that each COI is accurate and active. If a fake COI is provided, you will be banned from renting from LA Film Rentals and may be reported to the proper authorities for providing fraudulent documents.
Yes. According to state law, we are required to charge sales tax for all rentals.
Yes. We offer a 10% student discount. Proof of active school attendance is required.
Yes. We offer 15% off rentals for veterans and military members.
Yes. Seniors over 65 are eligible for a 10% discount.
All rentals are handled through our no-contact trailer lockbox located at our West Hills property. The pickup and drop-off location is monitored 24/7, and all rental pickups and returns must be completed at our location through the lockbox system.
Yes. Pickups and drop-offs are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our secure trailer lockbox exchange system.
Yes. You may drop off anytime before midnight on your rental drop-off day using our secure trailer lockbox exchange system.
Returns are due before midnight on the drop-off day of your rental.
Yes. Let us know during your rental period and we will do our best to accommodate the extension. Additional time will be calculated and the card on file may be charged for the difference.
A late fee may be added if rental items are not returned on the scheduled drop-off day unless the rental has been extended by the customer. Additional charges may be added daily based on the extra time the item remains in the customer’s possession.
If you are unable to reach us outside normal operating hours, send us a text or email and we will respond as soon as possible.
No. We do not ship rental equipment because damage waiver and coverage options do not extend to items in transit. All pickups and returns must occur in person.
We do not offer delivery at this time.
You may cancel your rental 24 hours before the rental period begins to receive a refund or avoid being charged for the rental.
If you are having difficulty setting up or operating rented equipment, we will do our best to assist by text, phone, FaceTime, Skype, or video chat during our normal support hours of 10AM to 7PM daily.
On-site crew or technical support may be available for an additional fee or day rate.
Some items include manuals, and some equipment pages may include links to manuals. If not, many manuals are available online by searching the item name plus “manual,” and YouTube can also be helpful for setup walkthroughs.
We carry a very limited supply of expendables for certain rental items, including fog machine fluid and haze machine fluid. We may occasionally carry other expendables as well. Ask your rental representative and we will try to accommodate when possible.
We primarily serve Southern California, especially Los Angeles County and surrounding areas.
If you plan to fly with our gear, please let us know before renting so we can review the request. You are responsible for the gear while it is in your possession.
We prefer that cinema lenses are not taken on airplanes because they can be damaged or knocked out of alignment during travel. Lens re-alignment can be expensive.
For lost or damaged items, we will attempt to get a repair or replacement quote. If the item is over $500 or over your deductible amount, you will be responsible for paying your deductible and filing a claim through your insurance.
If the damage is beyond repair, a replacement must be provided. If the same item is not available, a suitable replacement within the same price range may be arranged.
If you are unable to return rental items and fail to communicate with us, we may consider the rental items stolen and take appropriate action to recover the equipment or pursue legal action.
A cleaning fee of $25 or more may apply if rental items are returned in more than simple atmospheric exposure condition.
If the equipment is used in sandy, dusty, or wet environments without proper protection and is damaged, repair fees may apply. If the item cannot be repaired, you will be responsible for replacement through your insurance.
We will ask you to attempt to locate and return the missing items in a timely manner. If items cannot be returned, reimbursement for replacement may be required.
If your question is not listed LA Film Rentals
If your question is not listed here, send us a message before booking and we’ll help you sort out the rental details.
