Can I Advertise on the Side of My House?

Yes, in many circumstances you can advertise on the side of your house. However, whether you can legally advertise on the side of your house will depend on the area you live in, what type of advertisement you wish to place, the size of the sign and any rules that may apply to your property.

Advertising on an outside wall can be a great way for some homeowners to promote their home business. For others, it could be a great opportunity to earn some extra income by allowing a company to advertise on their property.

Perhaps you have a large, empty wall that faces a busy road. It may be that hundreds or thousands of people pass by every day. It’s only natural to wonder if you could make some money off this space rather than just let it be a part of your house.

It may seem like a simple concept, but there are a few things you need to think about before painting an advert on the wall, installing a sign or agreeing to allow a company to advertise on your property.

Do you need permission from the local municipality? Do you need permission from your landlord or homeowners association? Can your property legally allow the proposed sign?

In this guide we’ll take a look at how advertising on the side of your house works, what rules you need to be aware of, how you can potentially make some money off your wall and what you need to consider before entering into an advertising agreement.

Is It Legal to Advertise on the Side of Your House?

Yes, it can be legal, but just because you own a property doesn’t automatically mean you have free rein to put up any advertisement you want.

Outdoor advertising is often regulated to ensure road safety, to maintain the character of a neighbourhood, to control visual clutter and to make sure that the advertising structures are properly installed.

Rules may differ between a small sign that advertises your own business and a large advertisement for a company that has no relation to your property.

For example, a small sign for a home-based plumbing business may be viewed differently to a large commercial billboard on the same building.

Location may also be a factor. A wall that faces a quiet residential street may have different rules to a wall that faces a busy highway or major commercial route.

What are the rules in South Africa?

If you live in South Africa, you’ll first want to look at the outdoor advertising by-laws and signage policies of your local municipality.

The South African Manual for Outdoor Advertising Control (SAMOAC) is published by the national government. It provides guidance on the various types of outdoor signs. This includes wall signs, painted advertisements and signs related to residential properties.

However, don’t assume that because you’re following the manual, your proposed advertisement is automatically approved. You’ll also need to consider any applicable municipal by-laws, land use rules, etc.

For example, in the City of Tshwane, the outdoor advertising guidance states that you need written municipal consent before erecting a sign in the jurisdiction. This includes on private property.

The outdoor advertising guidance for the City of Cape Town also states that the approval requirements depend on the type of sign, the size of the sign, the location of the sign and the area of control applicable to the sign.

This shows the importance of looking at the rules for your specific municipality, rather than following advice for a different area.

The best thing to do is to get confirmation from your municipality before you install or display the advertisement.

What Types of Advertising Can You Put on the Side of Your House?

There are various ways that you can use an exterior wall for advertising. The best way for you will depend on your goals, the space you have available and what’s allowed in terms of the rules.

Advertising your own business

If you run a business from home, you may want to place a sign to let people know about your services.

For example:

• A plumber may advertise repair services.
• A hairdresser may advertise a home salon.
• A tutor may advertise private lessons.
• A baker may advertise a home-based baking business.
• A consultant may display their company name and contact details.

This can be a great way to let people in your neighbourhood know about your business.

However, just because you’re allowed to run a business from home doesn’t mean that any type of business sign is automatically allowed. You may need to look at the rules for home occupation as well as the rules for advertising.

Renting out your wall to another business

Alternatively, you may allow another business to advertise on your property.

This may be a business that wants to place their logo, a promotional message or a product advertisement on your wall. This may be because the wall is visible to potential customers.

Depending on the agreement, you may be paid a fixed monthly rental amount or a set amount for an agreed period of time for the advertising. Or you may negotiate a different fee.

This may be a great option if you have a wall that’s very visible, but you don’t want to promote your own business.

Before you agree, make sure you check if the proposed advertisement needs municipal approval. Also make sure you check if the company will be responsible for installing, maintaining, insuring and removing the advertisement.

Painted wall advertisements

Rather than installing a board, some advertisers may choose to paint the advertisement directly onto the exterior wall of the building.

If you have suitable masonry surfaces, then painted advertisements may be appropriate. Provided the design and materials used are suitable.

However, even a painted advertisement can still be considered outdoor advertising. So just because it’s painted rather than installed as a structure, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily exempt from the need for permission.

You also need to think about what the wall will look like in the long-term. If you remove the advertisement, you may need to repaint the wall or repair the surface.

Mounted signs / billboard style advertising

A company may suggest that you attach a sign panel to your wall or build a larger advertising display against your wall.

You must be cautious when dealing with this sort of contract. The reason for this is that installation could negatively impact the structural integrity of the building, the waterproofing, the aesthetics and maintenance obligations of the building.

A large sign may also require an engineered structure, depending on its size, weight and exposure to the wind

Don’t forget that a wall that appears solid may not necessarily be able to withstand the pressure exerted by a huge advertising installation.

Will you need to get authorization from the local authorities?

In most cases, yes. Local laws and regulations will determine how to get permission and how to set up the sign and particularities of your advertising project.

Before proceeding, make sure to clarify your questions with the appropriate government authority.

You’ll need to let them know:

• Where the advertisement will be located
• Will it be painted on the wall or attached to the wall?
• What are the proposed dimensions?
• Will it be illuminated?
• What will the advertisement be promoting?
• Is the property residential or commercially zoned?
• Will the sign be facing a public road?

This will help the municipality understand the relevant rules and what procedures you need to follow for your application.

What documents may you need?

Depending on the municipality and the category of sign, you may need to provide some or all of the following documents:

• Proof that you own the property or have permission to use the property
• A site plan showing the proposed location.
• Drawings/photographs showing the advertisement.
• Proposed dimensions and materials to be used for construction.
• Details of the company that will be installing the advertisement.
• Structural details (for larger signs).
• Application forms and applicable fees.

As the requirements can vary, it’s a good idea to ask for the relevant checklist before you spend any money on plans or construction.

For example, in the City of Cape Town, you can look at the signage application guidance to see what documents may be required when you apply for outdoor advertising approval.

Don’t assume that just because you’re told verbally by an installer/advertiser that you don’t need permission, that this is the case. Please ensure that you check the status with the respective official. Keep a written record of the response.

Is It Allowed To Advertise Your House Without Approval Of The Planning Authority?

This is the foremost question that must be answered beforehand whether you will go ahead with this.

Some local regulations may have exemptions for certain types of signs. This may include certain small signs related to residential properties or businesses. For other signs, you may need to apply for formal approval.

However, being exempt from one condition does not mean you are exempt from all conditions.

For instance, a small sign for a home-based company may not be treated the same as a large, lit up sign for a different business.

You will need to find out if the sign you want to use is exempt or allowed under certain conditions or whether you will need to formally apply for it.

Don’t assume that just because the advertisement is:

• On private property
• Attached to an existing wall.
• Smaller than a normal billboard.
• Not illuminated.
• Painted rather than mounted.
• Only intended to make a small amount of income.

That it’s automatically allowed. It will depend on the relevant rules.

In South Africa, the City of Cape Town has specific provisions in the outdoor advertising by-law for certain types of residential signs. This includes home-occupation advertisements. The size and conditions allowed will depend on the category of sign.

If you don’t live in Cape Town, you’ll need to contact your own municipality. Don’t use the provisions for Cape Town as a general rule.

Can You Make Money Advertising on the Side of Your House?

Yes, if you have a suitable wall that you can rent out for advertising, you could potentially make some money. However, not all walls will be appealing to advertisers. And there’s no set rate for how much you can be paid.

In general, a business will want their advertisement to be seen by the right audience. This means that visibility and location can often be more important than the size of the wall itself.

Let’s look at two examples.

One property has a large wall that faces a quiet cul-de-sac in a residential area. The other property has a smaller wall that faces a busy road in a shopping area.

While the first wall is larger, the second wall may be more appealing from a commercial perspective. This is because more relevant people will be able to see the advertisement.

This is why you need to consider the advertising potential of your property before investing in an advertising structure.

What makes a wall appealing to advertisers?

There are various factors that can impact the demand for advertising.

Traffic and visibility: A wall that faces a busy road may be more appealing than a wall that’s hidden behind trees or other buildings.

Target audience: A local restaurant may find it appealing to advertise in an area near a neighbourhood shopping area. A specialist service may be more interested in reaching people that travel along a specific commuter route.

Viewing distance: Drivers need enough time to safely recognise the message. Small text and complicated designs can be hard to read from a moving vehicle.

Obstructions: Trees, utility equipment, parked cars, other buildings, etc. can impact the visibility.

Competition: There may be other advertising boards nearby. This can compete for attention. It may make your location less appealing.

Permission and access: If you have a wall that can legally accommodate a sign and you can safely access the wall for installation and maintenance, this may make it easier to market.

How much can you charge?

There’s no reliable set amount that every homeowner can expect to make.

This will depend on the demand for advertising in the area. It will depend on the size and format of the advertisement. It will depend on the location. It will depend on the duration of the agreement. It will depend on the costs associated with the installation.

Don’t just take the first offer. Speak to various outdoor advertising companies. Ask them if they’re interested in your location.

You can also ask them to provide a written explanation of how they propose to pay you.

For example, compare a fixed monthly rental amount to a payment based on whether an advertiser books the space. The first may offer more predictability in terms of income. The second may mean that you don’t get any payment during periods where there’s no advertiser using the space.

Make sure you know who’s responsible for paying for permits, installation, electricity, repairs, insurance, eventual removal, etc. before you sign anything.

Your gross rental income isn’t the same as your profit.

How to Find Companies That Will Advertise on Your Wall

If your goal is to make some money, then finding the right advertiser is an important part of the process.

You’ll first want to research outdoor advertising companies that operate in your area.

Look for companies that specialise in billboards, building advertising, wall murals, other outdoor media, etc. Some companies may manage the advertising sites for property owners. Other companies may focus on selling advertising space to their clients.

When you get in touch with a company, make sure to furnish them with enough details so they can understand the situation better.

The needed information includes:

• Your approximate location, plus the type of the nearby road.
• A good picture of the wall.
• The rough measurements of the available area.
• Is the wall placed in a way to see the traffic?
• Are there any restrictions on the property?
• Does the owner offer short-term or long-term options?

You might be interested in contacting the local businesses to check whether they want to reach the individual consumers around the area.

What should you ask an advertising company?

Before you agree to anything, make sure you ask:

• Who’s going to ask for an apply for any permits?
• Who will create and set up the signage ?
• How is the payment arranged for this job?
• How long is the project planned to last?
• Who will fix any problems arising with the signs?
• What happens if damage takes place due to advertising?
• Is it possible for the firm to set up lights or similar things?
• Who is accountable for taking away the signs after the work is done?
• What will you do if the municipality denies or revokes approval?

What Should Be Included in an Advertising Agreement?

If a company wants to rent space on your wall, make sure you put the agreement in writing.

This can help both parties understand their responsibilities. It can also give you something to refer back to if there’s any disagreement.

At a minimum, you’ll want to include the property, the advertising area, the type of advertisement allowed, the rental payment, the duration of the agreement, etc.

You’ll also want to include who’s responsible for getting approvals.

Payment and duration of the contract

Include the amount payable. Include the dates for payment. Can the payment increase during a longer contract?

If the payment is based on the advertising revenue (rather than a set rental fee), explain how this will be calculated and verified.

You’ll also want to include what happens if the company stops using the wall. What happens if they don’t make the payments?

Damage to the property and maintenance

Installing a sign can involve drilling, brackets, wiring, painting, etc. This can affect the building.

Include who’s responsible for any damage caused during installation or removal.

Also include who’s responsible for maintaining the sign. Will the company need to restore the wall to an agreed state at the end of the contract?

Insurance and liability

Who’s responsible if the advertising structure becomes loose, damages the property, causes injury, etc.?

It’s especially important to have appropriate insurance and safe installation practices for large displays that are exposed to the wind and severe weather.

For large installations, you may want to get professional legal/structural advice before you sign.

Ending the agreement

Include clear conditions for termination.

For example, you may want to be able to terminate the agreement if the company breaches their obligations. Or if the necessary approvals are no longer in place.

You may also want to consider what happens if you sell the property, renovate the wall, need to make urgent repairs, etc.

A short legal review can be worth it if you have a contract that involves a significant payment, large structure, long commitment, etc.

What Are the Risks of Advertising on Your House?

While there can be benefits to advertising, there are also some risks involved.

By understanding the potential downsides, you can decide if the arrangement is worth it.

Damage to your property

Heavy signs, poor installation of fixtures, etc. can damage walls, roof structures, waterproofing, exterior finishes, etc.

Before the installation, make sure you check the proposed method for fixing. Get professional advice if necessary.

Complaints from neighbours

A large, bright, poorly positioned, etc. advertisement may affect the appearance of the street. It may disturb nearby residents.

Even if your immediate neighbours are fine with it, you may still need to consider local advertising rules.

You can help avoid issues by choosing an appropriately sized design. Also make sure you confirm the location where the installation is allowed.

Fines/removal costs

If the advertisement breaches the relevant rules, you may be required to take corrective action or remove the advertisement. You may also face penalties, depending on the circumstances and local legislation.

For example, in the public notice for illegal outdoor advertising from Polokwane Municipality, they explain that outdoor advertisements in the jurisdiction require municipal consent. This includes signs on privately owned land.

This is a good reminder that just because it’s private property doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re exempt from advertising restrictions.

Privacy reduction/changes to your home

An advertisement can affect the appearance of your property. It can also attract attention from traffic.

In case a business plans to put in lights, cameras, electricity devices, constructions, etc… which require access to your territory, ensure that you are aware of everything they are going to do before you sign any agreement.

Not Stable Income

The advertising company does not have a paying customer to place an advertisement on your wall all the time.

You cannot expect that your company will keep on paying you without having anything in the contract if the ad space is occupied.

Is it worth taking the chance and potential costs?

Should You Seek Approval from Your Property Owners Association?

Getting municipality approval is just one part of the process.

If you live in the complex, estate, sectional title, etc… (i.e. where there are property regulations), you need to check if there are other regulations as well.

Your property owners association can have rules for outbuilding changes, signs that can be seen from the street, commercial activities from home-based businesses, etc.

Sectional title schemes may also have rules for common property, changes to the exterior appearance of buildings, etc.

The procedure to be implemented will largely depend on the legal form of the property, as well as the applicable usage rules and documents defining the regulations of activities, etc.

If it is assumed that the property is rented out, one will have to obtain the landlord’s written consent prior to having any signage installed, or signing a contract with the advertising agency allowing them to use the wall.

Similarly, if the landlord agrees to let you use the wall, think of local regulations.

Finally, if the wall is a party wall, it is important to know who has the jurisdiction over the wall in question.

It is better to address these issues at the beginning of the advertising process rather than deal with them after spending money to install the advertisement.

Preparing Your Wall for Advertising

Once you have decided that advertising is viable, look at the wall in order to evaluate its condition.

Start from checking the wall to find out whether it is in good condition by looking for cracks, peeling paint, or any moisture problems.

Next, photographs should be taken from different angles. Be sure that you take at least one showing the wall in relation to the road, buildings and trees that could block the view.

It’s important to measure accurately the available space. Don’t assume that you will be able to use the whole wall. There may be municipal restrictions, windows, doors, building features, structural requirements, etc. This may limit the size and position that’s allowed.

Think carefully about how the advertisement will be viewed.

Reading the advertisement might be easy when standing on the sidewalk, however, that might not be the case for a fast-moving driver. Therefore, your design should be as simple as possible. The message should be strong enough, and letters have to be clearly read.

When planning the use of lighting for your advertisement, do not forget to consult the local authorities. Some rules may be applied concerning illumination of the sign, its blinding effect, duration, electrical installation, etc.

At last, it is necessary to consider the maintenance procedures for your advertisement. It seems like repainting may be required at some point, as well as searching for rust or corrosion.

Thus, having a good maintenance plan in mind, you are sure to make your sign always look fresh.

A Basic Checklist Before You Begin

Before you put up an advertisement on your home, make sure you have taken the steps outlined below.

• Check whether you can put up the advertisement on the property.
• Call your local authorities and find out if you need a special permit or approval to display your advertisement.
• Find out if there are zoning restrictions, land use restrictions, and any other regulations that may apply.
• Get permission from the property owner or its representative in writing.
• Take measurements of the wall area. Check the condition of the wall.
• Get a detailed description of your advertisement, including dimensions, design, type of mounting, etc.
• Check the advertising agencies for prices in case you’re renting out the space.
• Find out the revenue you can get, taking costs into account.
• Agree on the responsibilities for maintenance, insurance, renovation, etc.
• Make sure you have a written agreement before you start working.

Following this guide will make it easier to choose your best option.

Some Questions That May Be Asked

Can I have an advertisement on the wall of my house?

Possibly. But a billboard is more complicated than a small business sign. There may be other requirements due to the size, location, structure, visibility, potential effect on road safety, etc. You’ll need to contact your municipality before arranging installation.

Can I rent out my house wall to an advertising company?

Possibly. This may be possible if the property and proposed advertisement meet the relevant requirements. You’ll need to confirm the necessary permissions. You’ll also need to sign a written agreement. This should cover payment, maintenance, liability, removal, etc.

Do I need permission from my neighbour to advertise on my wall?

Not necessarily in all circumstances. But it may depend on whether the proposed sign crosses a boundary, affects shared property, specific legal/municipal requirements, etc. You’ll need to ask the relevant authority before proceeding.

Can I paint an advert directly onto my house wall?

Possibly. But just because you paint the advertisement directly onto the wall, doesn’t automatically mean that you’re exempt from outdoor advertising regulations. You’ll need to check the relevant requirements before you start.

Can I advertise a business from my residential property?

This will depend on your local home business and land use rules. It will also depend on any restrictions on advertising signs. You may need to check both whether the business activity is allowed and whether the proposed signage is allowed.

Is it profitable to advertise on the side of a house?

Possibly. Especially if the advertiser values the location. But the income will depend on demand, visibility, contract terms, expenses, etc. There’s no guaranteed rental amount. There’s also no guarantee that a company will want to use your wall.

Can I install an illuminated advertisement?

This might be. But there would probably be even more restrictions for lighted signs. These can include limits for bright light, electricity consumption, working hours, disturbance to the neighborhood, road safety, etc. You will need to check the requirements before you spend money for any lighting devices.

What happens when I install an advertisement without permission?

Depending on local regulations you may be obliged to change/install the device. You may also face other measures. It’s better to check what needs to be done beforehand.

Conclusion: Is it Worth It to Advertise on the Side of Your House?

Advertising on the side of your house can be a practical way to promote your own business. Or potentially make some extra income from an otherwise unused space.

Nevertheless, the main issue is not only that of ownership of the wall, but also whether there are any restrictions on advertisements placed on your property.

To begin with, look up the outdoor advertising regulations in your locality and verify if there may not be any rules pertaining to the specific place you are interested in. Finally, check to see if the wall is attractive to potential advertisers.

If you want to earn some money, then you should be able to compare the offers you receive carefully. Pay attention to the whole contract. Don’t just focus on the advertised monthly payment. This is because there may be costs involved for installation, maintenance, insurance, repairs, removal, etc.

Most importantly, don’t install the sign or allow a company to start work until you’ve confirmed the relevant permissions.

With proper planning, a suitable location, clear written agreement, etc., advertising on your house may be a great opportunity. By taking the time to understand the rules first, you can help determine if it’s the right choice for your property.