Should I use a separate LLC to own or rent an adult content studio?

A separate LLC for the lease is common, but it depends on whether the lease itself would expose your name. If the landlord is a private individual and the lease isn't recorded, the public exposure is minimal. If it's a commercial property with a recorded memorandum, then a holding LLC can help.

Overkill for a lease. Just make sure the operating LLC is the tenant, not you personally. The landlord will still want a personal guaranty, and that guaranty might end up in court records if there's ever a dispute.

Standard for small tenants. You can sometimes negotiate a good guy guaranty or a limited guaranty, but most landlords won't waive it entirely for a new LLC with no history, though.

Owning vs renging is the bigger question. If you own the property through an LLC, the deed is public record and the LLC name is visible. You can use a holding company or a trust to obscure the ownership chain, but it's more complex and costs more to maintain. Renting keeps things simpler if privacy is the priority.

I've seen people use a series LLC for this kind of separation. One series for the operating business, another for the lease or property. But series LLCs aren't recognized in every state, so check your jurisdiction first.

Series LLC is a decent option if your state allows it. Otherwise a simple parent-subsidiary structure works. But honestly, for a lease, the operating LLC as tenant is usually enough unless the landlord insists on recording something.

If it's not recorded, then the main public record is the LLC registration itself. Use a registered agent service so your home address isn't the registered office. That's probably the biggest privacy win for the least effort.

Agreed on the registered agent. Also check whether your state requires member names on the annual report. Some do, some don't. If they do, you might need to use a nominee or a holding entity to keep your name off.

One thing to keep in mind: if you use a holding LLC to own the operating LLC, you still have to file the holding LLC somewhere, and that state may require disclosure. It's turtles all the way down unless you're careful about which state you form in.

Also consider the cost. Two LLCs means two sets of annual fees, two tax returns, possibly two registered agents. For a small studio, that adds up. Weigh the privacy benefit against the administrative burden.

Sounds like a reasonable plan. Just document your reasoning in case you ever need to explain the structure. And double-check the lease for any clauses about assignment or subletting if you later move it into an LLC.