23 Best Low-Cost and Profitable Rental Business Ideas
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Are you looking for a low-cost and profitable home-based business idea? Are you searching for a way to create passive income? If so, and if you’re a creative thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit, a peer-to-peer rental business may be the perfect opportunity for you.
The rental industry is booming, and peer-to-peer rental businesses have become extremely popular over the last few years. They can also be extremely profitable. Another great thing about these businesses is that most have no or low startup costs and don’t require a large initial investment.
And owners of rental businesses can work as much or little as they choose because the business is flexible.
What is Peer-to-Peer Rental?
Peer-to-peer rental is a type of arrangement whereby people can rent items from each other instead of from a traditional rental company. This can be done either online or in person, and it usually involves some form of review or rating system to help ensure that the items are in good condition and that the renters are trustworthy. Renters pay a fee to owners in return for hourly, daily, or weekly usage of a rental item.
Peer-to-peer rentals can be especially helpful for people who need to rent items that are not widely available or for people who want to avoid the high costs of traditional rental companies. In addition, peer-to-peer arrangements often allow for more flexible terms and conditions than traditional rentals, which can be a major advantage for both parties involved.
In this blog post, I’ve put together 23 of the best rental business ideas that are both low-cost and profitable. And, I’ve only included common things that many people already own, so you won’t have to buy something and spend money upfront.
So, whether you are looking for an idea for a side hustle or a full-time income, read on for some great ideas for starting your own business.
Tips for Starting Your Rental Business
There are a few options when it comes to establishing a rental business; therefore, you’ll want to consider different ideas to see which kind of business appeals to you most. For instance, if you live near a lot of state parks, you may want to consider renting camping gear.
Another thing to consider is starting your rental business with what you already own. By leveraging the things you already own, you can get started with little to no upfront investment. And there’s no need to quit your day job – you can start small and work your way up as your business grows.
Here are some tips on getting started:
- Make a list of rental business ideas, and figure out what you want to rent. This can be anything from tools and equipment to a room in your home. Think about what you’re good at and what people in your community might need or want to rent.
- Do some market research and decide which kind type of business is the best fit for your community.
- Make a list of everything you need to get started. This includes everything from insurance to contracts and marketing materials.
- Create a pricing structure that meets the needs of both you and your customers. Be sure to consider the cost of maintenance, replacement, and storage when setting your rates.
- Register your business with the government and get any permits you need. Once that’s done, it’s time to open a business bank account.
- Promote your business through word-of-mouth, online ads, and local events. Get the word out about what you’re offering and why it’s valuable to your target audience.

Best Rental Business Ideas
Bicycles
If you have a bicycle (or several) that you’re not using, you can make some extra cash by renting it out. The bike rental business is probably not the most exciting business idea, but it can be pretty lucrative.Â
Spinlister is an online platform that connects people who need bicycles to people who have them. You list your bike on the site and set your own rental rate. You’ll need to upload a few good photos of your bike and provide a description.Â
If you don’t want to rent your bikes through Spinlister, you can easily list them on social media or through Craigslist.
Camera Equipment
Are you a photography enthusiast with more camera equipment than you know what to do with? Or maybe you’re thinking of upgrading your camera, and you’re not sure what to do with your old one. Either way, you can make some extra cash by renting out your unused camera and camera equipment.Â
You can rent out your camera and equipment to others on KitSplit and ShareGrid. Both of these online platforms let you connect with people who need to rent equipment for their own photography projects. It’s an awesome way to make some extra cash without having to put in a lot of effort.Â
Cars
If you’re looking for a relatively simple way to earn some extra money, car rentals are it. Consider renting out your vehicles through Getaround, HyreCar, or  Turo.Â
To get started, simply sign up with Getaround, HyreCar, or Turo and list your car. Be sure to include plenty of good photos and accurate information about the vehicle to attract renters. You can also promote your rental cars on social media or other online platforms to reach a wider audience. Once you start receiving rentals, be sure to handle them professionally and deliver the vehicle in clean condition.
These companies allow you to set your own price and the renter pays through the app. The company will then transfer the earnings to you, minus a small fee.
Dog Activity Space
Dog owners are always on the lookout for new and interesting places to take their furry friends for a walk. If you have some extra land that you’re not using, you can make money by renting it out as a dog walking spot through Snifffspot.Â
To get started, simply create a listing on the Sniffspot website. Be sure to include some photos of your property and a description of the amenities that you offer. Once your listing is live, dog owners will be able to request to book your spot for walks. You can set your own price, and Sniffspot will take a small commission from each booking. In addition, you can also add extras like dog pools or agility courses for an additional fee.Â
Clothing
There are a lot of ways to make money from your clothes, but Social Closet and Hangurs are two of the most popular options. Both of these companies allow you to rent your clothes online and both take care of the logistics to get them to the renter and get them returned in good condition.Â
When your clothing is rented, you’ll receive your payment minus a small commission.
Vacation Home
If your home is in a good location, you can easily make money by renting it out to vacationers and Airbnb is a great way to do just that. When you sign up with Airbnb, all you’ll need to do to list your property is to include some clear photos and detailed descriptions of your accommodations. Then, you’ll need to set a competitive price that reflects the amenities and location of your home.
Once you have guests lined up, be sure to provide a warm welcome and answer any questions they may have about the area. You can also provide a few helpful items, such as maps and restaurant guides.Â
Jet Skis
If you have one or two jet skis and live in a warm, tropical environment or near a body of water like a lake, then renting them out can be a great way to earn some extra income.Â
You’ll need to obtain the necessary insurance and permits to get started. Once you’re up and running, you can begin advertising your rental business. One of the best ways to find customers is to partner with a local hotel or resort. You can also promote your business through online listings and social media. When setting your prices, be sure to consider the cost of fuel, maintenance, and storage.Â
Landscape Equipment
If you have any lawn equipment such as mowers, trimmers, edgers, etc. you can make some extra money by renting it out in the summer months.Â
Lawn equipment, especially mowers, is expensive and requires upkeep. Renting lawn equipment makes sense for those who live in a place where lawn mowing isn’t necessary every week. This can save them money over time because they don’t have to pay for the purchase of a tool or maintenance costs.
ATVs
If you own an ATV or all-terrain vehicle, you may be wondering how you can turn your investment into a money-making venture. Luckily, there are a couple of different options available to you. One option is to simply rent out your ATV to others who want to use it for a day or more. This can be a great way to earn some extra money, and it also helps to offset the cost of owning and maintaining your ATV.Â
Another option is to start an ATV tour business. This can be a great way to show off your favorite trails and riding areas while also earning some income.Â
Be sure to set reasonable rates that will attract potential customers but also cover your costs and make sure to have the appropriate insurance coverage in place in case of any accidents or damage.Â
Musical instruments
If you’re a musician, there’s a good chance you have a collection of musical instruments that you no longer use. Instead of them gathering dust in a closet, you can rent them out to other musicians.Â
Rental platforms like FriendWithA can help you make money by renting out your musical equipment to other musicians. Not only can you earn some extra cash, but it can also give you the opportunity to connect with other musicians in your area.
You can also promote your rentals by sharing the listing on social media or reaching out to local music groups and schools.Â
Camping Gear
For many people, camping is a fun way to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some outdoor activities. However, it can be expensive for them to outfit themselves with all the necessary gear. One way for campers to offset the cost of camping is to rent their gear. So, if you have camping gear, renting it out is an easy way to pick up some extra money.
Many people do not camp that often, so renting camping gear makes sense because it’s more affordable. You can easily rent out camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, portable grills, backpacks, and cooking utensils to others and make money.
Power Tools
If you own a variety of power tools that you don’t use on a regular basis, you may be wondering how to turn them into a source of income. One option is to rent them out to others who need them for their own projects.Â
Sparetoolz is a website that allows you to rent out your power tools to others in your community. The site is simple to use, and it only takes a few minutes to list your tools. They allow you to set your own rental prices, and you can choose to have the tool delivered or picked up. Sparetoolz takes a 20% commission on all rentals, so you keep 80% of the rental price. The site also offers insurance, so you’re covered in case of any damages.Â
Storage Space
If you have extra space in your home or on your property that you’re not using, you can make extra cash by renting it out through Store at my House. This service allows people to search for storage space in their local area, so you can list your space and make money from people who need somewhere to store their belongings.Â
To get started, sign up for an account and list your available space. You can set your own price and rental terms and then start accepting bookings.Â
Store at my House takes a percentage of each booking, but the rest of the money goes straight into your pocket.Â
Boat
If you own a boat that doesn’t get used very often, you can make money renting it out. And Boatsetter and Sailo are two great platforms to consider. Both Boatsetter and Sailo allow boat owners to list their boats for rent and then connect them with renters looking for boats in their area.Â
Simply create a profile on either platform and list your boat. Be sure to include clear photos and detailed information about your boat, as well as your rental rates and availability. Once your boat listing is live, you’ll start receiving rental requests from interested renters. You can then review the request and confirm the reservation. Finally, be sure to meet the renter at the agreed-upon time and location to hand over the keys and get them acquainted with the boat.Â
Space for Events
If you’ve got a large space that you’re not using, why not rent it out and make some extra money? Both Peerspace and Splacer are online platforms that allow people to list their unique spaces for special occasions and gatherings, such as weddings, parties, photo shoots, or corporate events.
Whether you’ve got a barn, deck, large room in your home, or even just a large warehouse, you can list your space on either of these websites and start earning money.Â
Kayaks and Canoes
If you have kayaks or canoes that you’re not using, you can easily make some money by renting them out to others. If you’re near a river, ocean, or lake, then renting out kayaks and canoes can be an excellent rental business idea.
Simply put up signs in local marinas or boating clubs or by listing your rentals online. Set up an online payment system like PayPal and provide a way for people to pick up and drop off your kayaks or canoes.
Baby Gear
BabyQuip is a business that allows people to rent out their unused baby gear to traveling families. This can be a great way to make some extra money, as baby gear can be expensive to purchase new.Â
If you have baby gear you want to rent out, simply create an account on the BabyQuip website and list the items you have available for rent. When a customer requests to rent your gear, you will need to deliver it to their location and pick it up when they are finished. BabyQuip will take a cut of the rental fee, but you will still be able to earn a profit from renting out your unused baby gear.
Campsites
Do you have several acres of private property? Do you have a property with scenic views? If so, renting out your land or property to campers can be a great option for making money.
There are a few different ways to do this, but two of the most popular platforms are  Hipcamp and Home Camper. Both of these platforms allow you to list your property for free, and they’ll handle all of the booking and payments for you. Hipcamp also offers a Campkeeper program, which gives you access to additional resources and support.
Renting out your land or property can be a great way to earn some extra income while also providing campers with a unique and memorable experience.Â
Spare Room
Many people are now using Airbnb, Flipkey, and Vrbo to rent out spare rooms in their homes to guests. If you have a spare room and are looking for a way to make some extra money, this may be a great option for you.
For many travelers, renting a room in a stranger’s home is a more appealing option than staying in a hotel. Renting a room in someone’s home is typically more affordable than a hotel room. It also offers travelers the opportunity to experience a destination like a local, as well as offering more personality than a hotel room.
So, why not turn your spare room into a valuable rental property?
Camper or RV
If you’ve got an unused camper or RV taking up space in your driveway, you could be missing out on a great money-making opportunity. By renting it out through  Outdoorsy or RVshare, you can put your vehicle to work and earn some extra income.
Both of these platforms are easy to use and allow owners of recreational vehicles to set their own daily, weekly, and monthly rental rates, so you can choose the option that best suits your needs. Both platforms offer great customer support, so you can rest assured knowing that help is always just a phone call or email away.
Parking Space
If you live in an area with limited parking, you may be able to make some extra money by renting out your parking space. There are a number of companies that facilitate this process, including  Spacer, Neighbor, and Just Park.Â
Renting out your parking space can be an easy way to earn some extra cash. Simply choose a platform, create an account, and list your available parking space. These platforms allow you to set your own price and schedule. Potential renters will contact you to arrange a time they need the space. Once the rental is complete, you’ll receive payment through the company’s platform.
Pool
If you own a swimming pool, renting it out is a great way to make some extra money. And with  Swimply, it’s easy to get started. First, create a profile and list your pool. Be sure to include photos and all the details renters will need to know. Then, set your rental price and availability.Â
When someone books your pool, you’ll receive a notification and you can confirm the rental. Once the rental is confirmed, you’ll receive the renter’s contact information so you can coordinate the details. You’ll have the chance to meet new people and make some extra cash – all while renting out your swimming pool.
Gardening Space
Shared Earth and YardYum are platforms that allow homeowners and landowners to rent out their unused yards or extra property space to gardeners. Gardeners pay a monthly fee, and in return, they get a place to grow their plants.Â
This can be beneficial for both parties. For homeowners, it’s a way to earn money from their unused yard space. And for gardeners, it’s a way to garden without having to worry about the cost of land.Â
If you’re interested in renting out your yard space, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll have to create an account on one of the platforms. Then, you’ll need to list your property and set a price. Once your property is listed, a gardener will be able to contact you and request permission to use your space. Finally, you’ll need to sign a contract with the gardener. This contract will outline the details of the agreement, including the duration of the rental and the price. Once the contract is signed, you can start earning money from your lawn.Â
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Final Thoughts
A rental business is a great way to make some passive income and can be a profitable business. It can be a good option if you’ve ever wanted to own your own small business without investing much money to start.
Just remember the best option for building a profitable business is to find out what the top rentals are in your area. To be successful, you’ll need to know what’s in high demand in order to offer the best rental services and be competitive in the rental market.