Factual error: One of Angel's lyrics (in "Today For You, Tomorrow For Me) refers to the movie "Thelma and Louise." Rent (the movie) is set in 1989-90. "Thelma and Louise" was released in 1991. This was caused when they did the move from Broadway to the screen. The stage show did not specify the year. So when they adapted the stage show to the movie, they didn't check the references. Plus it just sounds cool. (00:28:25)
Continuity mistake: When Max Bialystock is singing "Along came Bialy", and the old ladies start coming out of the apartments, the first lady who comes out isn't there in the next shot.
Other mistake: When Dorthy is trying to audition for the Muppet's the man says they are gone and the Muppet's bus pulls up. If you look when the bus is pulling up there is no one in it, even the driver seat is empty. Then a few seconds after the bus stops Kermit and Miss. Piggy come walking out.
Factual error: When a young Steve Mills is struggling for conversation topics with Lisa in 1962, he comments that her black eye makes her look like the Tareyton commercial. However, those "I'd rather fight than switch" ads weren't aired until late 1964.