It's probably always better to get permission if you possibly can. The indie/student filmmaker arguement often helps.

Filmming on private property certainly requires permission of the owner, however in many states and countries, filmming on public land is allowed. You should probably check the rules for your area with the local authority, but in general it's ok to shoot on public land (particularly in quieter areas).

Ben C.

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filmmaking.net
(Incorporating the Internet Filmmaker's FAQ)

Please note the opinions expressed here are those of the author only and do not constitute legal advice. The author cannot accept and liability whatsoever for inaccurate or outdated information contained within.
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I'm not sure about other countries, but I believe that here in the UK it's fine provided it's not being used in a way that's integral to the story. For example, if your cannibal serial killer character is walking down a street and passes some houses, that's OK, but if, without permission, you use a shot of the outside of your neighbour's house to make it appear that it's where your character is living and eating people you could get in trouble.

Again though, you'd have to ask a lawyer to be sure, and you can still be sued for just about anything anyway, even if you have permission (given the problems I've heard about with other movies, I think you might as well get movie contracts printed on toilet paper so they have at least some use).

Thanks you for your answers. I'll check what the local rules are.

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Originally posted by filmmaking.net

Filmming on private property certainly requires permission of the owner,

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Do you mean filming ON or OF private property requires permission? For example, what if I got an establishing shot of a house that was clearly taken from across the street (off their property)? But their house itself is private property?