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53 Best Things to Rent (Ultimate 2024 Guide)

Don't Work Another Day is reader-supported. We may receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own.
  By Forrest McCall | Last Updated:  August 4, 2021

One of the best ways to earn money in this world is by owning a rental business. There are a ton of consumers who would much rather rent items than buy them. This gives you the ability to make a ton of money renting.

Owning a rental business is also amazing because it allows you to earn passive income. You can rent out for profit no matter where you are, banking extra income without much effort. Below are just a few ideas to help you begin your journey.

Top Things to Rent to Make Money

Below are some of the best things you can rent to make money passively.

Rent Out Space with Neighbor to Make Money

A Room

If you have the extra space in your home, renting a spare room can rake in some extra cash with platforms like Neighbor.com. All you need to provide in this space is:

  • A bed
  • A closet
  • A bathroom

If the renter has access to all of these items, you can rent out the space for a duration of time. If you want, you can even rent it out long-term to bring in even more rental income. Make sure that you feel safe with the customer before doing so.

Rent My Space

An Extra Home

One step above the spare room is renting a home. You can rent out an extra home as a vacation space, or a living area for college students or young families. This is an excellent way to bring in some extra money, especially if it is an unused space for most of the year.

When renting a home, you should ensure that the occupants pay a security deposit beforehand. This will keep your property safe and allow you extra finances if they cause any damage during their stay. You should also establish some house rules that they can abide by.

Storage Space

Many people have unused storage space inside of their homes. Little do they know, they could be making a few hundred dollars a month by renting out the space for storage with Neighbor.com.

This will work if you happen to have a spare:

  • Closet
  • Garage
  • Attic

All of these can earn rental income if you play your cards right. Renting space for storage is an excellent way to pull in extra cash, and help someone out in the process.

Rent Storage Space Now!

A Vehicle

If you have an extra vehicle, like a pickup truck or a van, you can pull in extra income by allowing other people to use it. They can transfer materials or even go on a vacation. You pick the price you feel is right.

Of course, renting a vehicle out can be dangerous. Ensure that you have insurance and all of the right forms filled out for maximum safety. Interview each potential renter to make sure that they will keep your vehicle safe.

Rent a Boat

A Boat

Boats often just sit in garages, gathering dust and rusting over time. Rather than letting this happen to your expensive purchase, you can rent it out. Boat rentals are very popular. In fact, boats are one of the best things to rent.

When renting out a boat, you should:

  • Ensure that users understand the boat rules
  • Provide a waiver for them to sign
  • Get boat insurance for protection

If you want to, you can even collect a security deposit for the boat. This will allow you to perform repairs if something goes wrong with the rental. Liability insurance might also come in handy.

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An RV

One form of a steady income is to rent out an RV. RV owners know that these items can be money suckers, especially if you are only using them a couple of times a year. It's too much effort to take care of it without driving it. You can use renters to maintain your RV while also making money.

This rental idea comes with a few conditions. You should charge a security fee on your RV, providing protection for the recreational vehicle if something goes wrong. You should also establish some RV rules so that users know what is allowed and what is not. Insurance coverage might not be a bad thing to include, as well.

Rent a Bicycle

A Bicycle

A few sites online gain money renting out bicycles. You can do this too. A bike rental business can come into fruition whether you have one, or fifteen. All you need to do is keep your bikes in top shape.

Bike rentals might require:

  • Frequent bike repairs
  • Rules to be established for customers
  • Insurance coverage

Make sure that you are taking care of your equipment. You can even rent out protective equipment separately to make even more money renting.

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Tools

Everybody needs tools. This item is particularly pleasing for those who work outside but do not want to invest in equipment, or people who need tools for a one-time adventure. You can save money on tools that you already own by making money renting them out.

Some tools might include:

  • Power drills
  • Chainsaws
  • Lawnmowers

By renting out these pieces, you will be saving money and making a passive income at the same time. Tools are one of the best things you can rent. Liability insurance might be necessary if injuries occur. Protect yourself, and set some ground rules with dangerous gear.

Clothes

Everybody needs clothes. Something, there are special occasions where a certain style is only needed for a short period. This is where you can start making money.

There are many items you can rent out for profit. Some of the best include:

  • Jeans
  • Dress shirts
  • Skirts
  • Jackets

You determine the timespan that the rental occurs in. There is very little risk involved with renting out clothes, so you can feel safe investing in affordable options.

Rent Out Shoes

Shoe Rental Business

Like clothes, shoes are often necessary for certain events. They can be more expensive than clothes and are often only worn once or twice. Renting is a better option for many. Shoes are one of the best things to rent because it only takes a few rentals for them to be worth the money that you paid for them.

Some shoes that you can rent out include:

  • Stilletos
  • Dress shoes
  • Tap shoes
  • Dinkles

The rental market is huge for shoes. All you need to do is ensure that they are cleaned and disinfected when they come back to you. It is critical to have the most common sizes in every pair.

A Parking Space

Property owners know that in many places, parking spaces are few and far between. If you have access to an extra parking space, you can pull in some extra money by renting it out to those staying in a vacation rental or those who need another spot for their vehicles.

A parking space is best used when charged monthly or weekly. It's a lot like renting out a room. You can easily monitor the situation and make sure that other cars do not occupy the location if they are not paying you.

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Advertising Space

Advertising is critical in today's market. You can market ad space to consumers and companies. If you have a blank space that can be seen by a lot of people at once, you can use it to put advertisements on display for all to see.

Some great spots to put out for rent include:

  • Your car
  • A website or blog
  • A billboard that you have access to
  • Your yard
  • Your personal business

All of these items are perfect for hosting advertisements. Besides the initial cost of the empty space, it is completely free for you to display these advertisements. You can make quite a bit of money by doing so.

A Bounce House

Some rental requests include bounce houses. These inflatable devices can easily be packed and transported, blowing up in a matter of minutes. If you know how to store and take care of these items, they can last you a long time.

Bounce houses are often in demand at:

  • Birthday parties
  • Corporate events, such as family picnics
  • Graduation parties

You should pick a bounce house that is unique and will draw attention. The more special your piece is, the more likely it is that people will pick it over the dozens of other inflatables available.

A Water Slide

Like bounce houses, water slides are another inflatable that you can rent out. The only difference between these and bounce houses is the use of running water with this gear.

Due to the running water, it is vital that you clean the water slide after every single use. You can charge a service fee if the renter fails to get the water out after use. If you leave moisture inside, there is a potential for molding to occur.

Sports Equipment

Sports equipment has a high market value. Teams across the country are often in need of these items, as well as individuals who might want to try a sport one time. It is easy to maintain and own in bulk so you can have multiple rentals going on at once.

Some equipment that you can rent includes:

  • Baseball bats
  • Basketballs
  • Nets
  • Protective gear

All of this, and more, can be rented out to a desiring audience. You can easily make money by investing in many sports supplies.

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Make Money Renting A Pool

If you have a swimming pool, you can make money by renting it out to users during the hottest months of the year. It can be available for parties, corporate events, and family gatherings. If you have the space, you can even rent out the entire yard for use.

When doing this, you should check the chemical levels daily to make sure that they are safe for others to use. Make sure that the water levels are high, and that it is clean. You can rent out pool toys on the side for a bonus way to make money.

Rent Out Car Seats

Car Seats

Car seats are necessary for most toddlers and young children. You can invest in a few quality seats and rent them out to those that may need them. This might include families on vacation or folks who need a temporary replacement until they find a new seat for their child.

With car seats, you should ensure that they are intact after every single use. Safety should be your number one priority. If you have a broken seat, you will be putting children in danger. Make sure that your rental business does not do this to its customers.

Photography Equipment

Photography equipment can be expensive. Many people who need to take pictures for an event would rather rent it than buy it. You can take advantage of this by renting out photography equipment to those that need it.

This gear might consist of:

  • Tripods
  • Cameras
  • Lights

All of these items can be utilized by a photographer to make a great picture happen. The initial purchase of this gear will be very expensive for you, but it will make up for itself as time goes on. You might want to make a list of the items that are rented out to ensure that it does not get stolen.

Musical Instruments

Band students in high school and first-time musicians often rent their instruments, rather than buying them. Musical instruments are a good way to make money for you.

All you need to do is make sure that everything is clean after it is used. You can even sell the equipment if the musician wants to keep it after all is said and done. Musical instruments are one of the best things to rent.

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A Website

You can rent out your website, especially if it is a popular one in a specific niche. You can build it up until it has a solid reputation, and then rent it out to those who want to make the most out of the frequently used space.

Renting websites is a great way to make money. It requires work in the beginning, but then you can let it go. You don't need to do anything else to rake in some bonus dough.

Fishing Gear

Fishing equipment can be useful to many. Camping trips and those on one-day excursions often use these items to catch fish on their trips.

Some gear that you can rent out includes:

  • Fishing poles
  • Bait
  • Buckets
  • Nets

All of these will draw in an audience. These items are easy to maintain and even easier to purchase so that you can always have them on hand.

Earn Rental Income on Board Games

If you have more board games than you can count, rent them out. Many people want games to play, especially if they are on vacation and need something to do.

Games are not expensive, so you can charge low fees and still make your money back fast. Not many people do this, so you are sure to attract customers.

Sewing Equipment

Some sewers do not have the necessary equipment needed to sew. You can provide them with sewing machines and other items that will fulfill their desires.

Always make sure that everything is in working condition. You do not want to have a dead sewing machine or a rusty needle. Take care of what you are renting out to provide great experiences.

Art Supplies

Often, potential artists do not have what they need to create what they want. Many art supplies are excessively expensive and unaffordable. You can rent these things to them instead.

Some art supplies you might have include:

  • Easels
  • Frames
  • Brushes

Do not rent out supplies that cannot be reused, such as paints. There is little point in doing so as you will lose money in the end.

Camping Supplies

Camping is something that only happens for most people every once in a while. Thus, most do not want to buy camping supplies. You can be the person that rents things to them instead.

Some equipment you might have on stock can include:

  • Tents
  • Sleeping bags
  • Portable fires
  • Bear tins

All of these will be used by the average camper. You will be doing them a favor and pocketing some income on the side.

Gardening Space

Rather than having your own garden, you can rent out the space for someone else to use. It doesn't need to be big, and it can be far away from your home. If you provide beds that can be planted in, someone can pay you to use the space.

Gardens should be in locations that have the potential to receive both sun and shade. Provide ways for this to happen for positive reviews and returning customers over time.

Event Space

An open backyard or indoor room can be rented out as an event space. You can make money hosting gatherings such as:

  • Parties
  • Weddings
  • Family reunions

If you take the time to make the space look nice, it will grow in demand. It does not take much effort to bring in bonus income.

Rent Out Surf Boards

Surfboards

One of the best things to rent, if you are in a beach location, is surfboards. People in Hawaii, Florida, and California will find this business especially beneficial for them. Tourists and residents alike might want to make use of this opportunity to try surfing without making a commitment.

Besides surfboards, you can also rent:

  • Boogie boards
  • Fins
  • Wetsuits
  • Board wax
  • Surfboard leashes

You can rent out anything that has to do with the world of surfing to maximize your business. Other equipment will add value to your business. If this feels like it will be too much, you can decide to stick to surfboards as your main form of income.

Bandwidth

If you have extra bandwidth that you are not using, you can sell it to make money. Users can rent out extra bandwidth for their own purposes. Often, this is done through a company that you can give your internet to.

In a world that is becoming more and more crowded, renting things like bandwidth is going to get more and more necessary. The online world is desperate for more access to the internet, so this is an interesting idea that is sure to pad your pockets with some bonus cash.

Friendship

This might seem odd, but you can make money by renting your friendship out to those in need. Sometimes people need friends, even if they are not real. You can do fun things and potentially make a new pal while also bringing in money.

This is becoming more and more popular in locations that have a major city. As the population increases, people find themselves more and more isolated from the world. This is a way to make money that is very unique and helpful to society.

Baby Equipment

Baby gear is needed by new families everywhere. This is one of the things you can rent that requires a high level of sanitization to be successful. Babies are prone to disease, so you need to take care of it.

Some examples of baby gear that you can rent out includes:

  • Cribs
  • Playpens
  • Toys
  • Diaper bags

There are many forms of baby gear that can be easily cleaned. Never rent out items like bottles or binkies. When renting out equipment for babies, keeping everything clean should be one of your top priorities.

Motorcycle

Motorcycles are often impulse buys. If you feel as if you do not use it as often as you should, you can rent it out for more money.

Make sure that you have insurance before you do this. You should charge a security deposit, and have the user sign a waiver beforehand. This will keep everybody safe and allow you to be in control of the situation.

Protective Gear

Protective gear is a good rental option, especially if you are already renting out items like bicycles or motorcycles. You can provide items such as:

  • Helmets
  • Knee pads
  • Elbow pads

These will keep customers safe and give you another way to make money. It's a win for everybody, both renter and business owner.

Space for Animals

If you own real estate that has a lot of land, you can provide a location for people to board their animals. Whether dogs, cats, or horses, this is an excellent way for you to make extra money on an unused location.

You should clarify whether or not you take care of the animals being boarded. Do the owners need to do everything, or will you help? This is critical to establish your own rental business. Dog owners, horse owners, and other animal lovers will flock to you if you form this space correctly.

Appliances

Appliances are often necessary for single uses. If you have a hand mixer or a blender, you can rent it out. This often comes in handy when people are on vacation and discover that they need equipment that they do not have.

Daily or weekly rates work best when renting out appliances. You should vary your prices so that you are competitive with other businesses that are trying to do the exact same thing as you.

Electronics

If you are careful, you can rent out electronics. This can be dangerous, so it is critical that you have rules and safety measures in play. Charge them a security deposit that you can use to fix any damage that might happen.

Some examples of electronics that you can rent out include:

  • Laptops
  • Video game consoles
  • Tablets
  • eReaders

You can start your own website to display the options available for renters. Note that this form is riskier than renting out something like shoes.

Video Games

Companies like Redbox have found ways to make money by renting video games out for a day or so. You can also capitalize on this by allowing people to rent video games that you may have in your home.

Since most games save on individual devices, it will be like new when someone rents it. There is no need to clear your progress. You can charge rent based on the hour, day, or week. The online world loves video games, so there will always be a market hungry for more.

Textbooks

College students are always in need of textbooks. These can be unnecessarily expensive. If you gather a supply of commonly used books, you can rent them out to students who are in need.

Some of the most popular textbooks fall in the area of:

  • English
  • Science
  • Math

Find textbooks that fall in the areas of the common curriculum that all students need to take. Here, you will find the easiest ways to make money.

Rent Out Office Space

Office Space

Office spaces are very popular. This real estate location is becoming more and more in demand as working from home increases. You can rent out the office space to those who have none in their own home.

How much you charge can depend on the size of the office space, and the equipment that you have available for them to use. You can require payment based on weekly or monthly rates. It is all up to you.

A Filming Location

Those with quality real estate might lend out their home or yard as a filming location. This works best if you live in a place where movies often happen, such as Atlanta or Los Angeles.

When landing your home, you can charge any trip price that might arise for you to get out of the way. You can charge by the day, hour, or week. In the end, you will be able to see your home inside a movie on the big screen.

A Jet Ski

Jet skis are often impulsive buys that are only used every once in a while. To make up for the money lost on this purchase, you can rent it out for others to use.

When renting this item, you should:

  • Have the renter sign a waiver
  • Charge a security fee that can be returned later on

Renting things like jet skis can make up for buys that are not practical. You can make money in a way that is not inconvenient for you. The only work it requires is maintaining the jet ski.

Musical Space

Musicians want to play their instruments all of the time, but it may not be convenient for the people that they are living with. The average owner of a home has an extra garage or room that is empty. You can turn this into a music room that can be rented out.

Online space is a great way to advertise this area. You can interview desired renters beforehand, ensuring that you feel safe with them before allowing them into your home.

A Kitchen

A kitchen is not the first thing that may come to mind when you are thinking of things you can rent. However, if you have a nice space, many chefs and caterers might find use in renting out your space for an evening or a day.

You can rent your kitchen to:

  • Caterers who need to prepare meals
  • Bakers who need extra ovens

There are many instances where a kitchen can come in handy. This works best if you have a space reminiscent of an industrial kitchen, with plenty of room for everybody to work.

A Portable Playground

We all spent time on portable playgrounds as children. These plastic wonderlands are easily assembled and transportable, making them ideal for use on rental platforms. Portable playgrounds are one of the best things to rent because they stand out.

Portable playgrounds work as party supplies, fun activities, and a great vacation rental for someone staying in a home. They are affordable and easy to keep clean. You should be able to put them together and take them apart with little effort.

Related: Make Money While You Sleep

Space in Your Car

If you have space in your car that is unused, you can pocket some extra money by renting out the seat to someone else. Carpooling will save you some money on your trip and it is also better for the environment.

You should make sure that you feel safe with the individual before settling on a routine. Fees can be monthly or weekly, depending on if the situation becomes permanent or not. Using the extra space in your car is an excellent way to make bonus money. This is especially helpful if you use your vehicle frequently.

Moving Gear

The average human being moves at least three times in their life. If they have accumulated a lot of items over the years, chances are high that they will need assistance moving the heavier items. They might even need a van to put everything inside.

Some things to rent in terms of moving gear include:

  • A van
  • A dolly
  • Moving straps
  • A ramp
  • Your assistance

Anything that could help someone in their moving process can be rented out. The rental price can be set however you would like.

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Mobility Items

As the elderly population increases around the world, mobility items are becoming more and more necessary. These are things that you can rent out for profit.

Some mobility items that you can invest in include:

  • Motorized scooters
  • Wheelchairs
  • Crutches
  • Mobility scooters

All of these things can be rented out for extra cash. Before each rental, you should make sure that the items are in good condition and fully charged.

Furniture

If you have the ability to move it around, you can use furniture for making money online. Many general rental sites provide ways for customers to temporarily rent items such as sofas and chairs. You can do this too, and add a personal touch to garner the best rental business possible.

Of course, you may not have the ability to move furniture around for renters. You can either charge service fees or focus on renting out lighter pieces such as fold-out chairs and tables.

Related: How to Flip Furniture

Cables and Cords

Cables and cords often sit inside closets when they are not in use. Rather than pushing these items off to the side, you can charge a monthly fee or daily fee for others to make use of your cords.

Some of the most-needed cords include:

  • HDMI Cables
  • USB Cables
  • VGA Cables

You should do some research on the cables that you possess. If you have some that you do not use, you can make money by posting them online for rent.

Diving Gear

If you live by the beach, diving equipment can be in high demand. You can make a solid rental business by purchasing diving gear and putting it out for vacationers to invest in.

The diving gear consists of items such as:

  • Wetsuits
  • Scuba masks
  • Air tanks
  • Fins

Divers need these to have a successful trip. You can offer them at affordable rates to ensure a profit. All you need to do is make sure that the equipment is intact and clean. Failure to do so can cause damage to your reputation and rental business.

Rock Climbing Supplies

This is a very niche activity, but renting out rock climbing supplies can turn a bit of an extra profit. If you made an impulsive buy, you can even save money by getting back some of your hard-earned cash.

Rock climbing equipment includes items such as:

  • Rock climbing shoes
  • Climbing ropes
  • Carabiners
  • Belaying devices

If you have any of these, you can advertise them online for rent. This will do especially well if you live in an area where rock climbing is popular.

Formal Wear

Many gatherings require formal wear, but not everybody wants to spend all that money on a tuxedo or fancy dress. After all, it is likely that they will only put it on one time. It's a waste of money for many. Your own rental business can turn a profit by renting out items such as:

  • Collared shirt and button-downs
  • Elegant dresses
  • Tuxedos
  • Ties and bowties

All of these items are in high demand. By renting out for an affordable price, you can beat the chain competitors and earn passive income with your business.

Catering Equipment

Catering equipment can come in handy for many people. You can make money by renting out a variety of items for cooking, such as:

  • Portable heaters
  • Large tents
  • Serving trays and utensils

Many parties require catering equipment for the food. You can pull in big bucks by investing in these items and renting them out to services in the area where you live. All you need to do is ensure that it is clean and ready to go.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Rent

When searching for the best things to rent it's important to consider the cost of obtaining the items and how much rental potential you'll have with them.

Some of the best rental businesses can be a great way to earn extra money while you spend time with friends and family.

Forrest is a personal finance, entrepreneurship, and investing expert dedicated to helping others obtain life long wealth. He has a Bachelor's degree in business and has been featured in many popular publications including Forbes, Business Insider, Bankrate, CNET Money, and many others. To learn more about Forrest, visit the About Us Page for more info.
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