40 Things You Can Rent Out to Make Money in 2024

Are you looking for some ideas to make money in 2024? Over the past decade, the rental market has exploded. People are renting out products more than ever, especially given the cost of living crisis. As a result, the range of products you can rent out has increased. You can rent out all sorts of things, from bikes and cameras to clothes and tools.

Starting a rental business is more accessible than ever, thanks to online booking platforms catching up with e-commerce in functionality and deployability. Whether you’re a hobbyist looking for extra income or an entrepreneur looking for a new venture, you can rent out plenty of things. So, let’s get started with 40 things you can rent out in 2024.

1. Electric bikes

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and eco-friendliness. They provide an affordable and environmentally conscious transportation option for individuals looking to explore a city or commute to work. Additionally, electric bike rentals can be profitable with many potential customers as they attract locals and tourists.

2. Party tents

Party tents are affordable and can be rented reasonably well, making them ripe for making money. You can start small with tents that cater to birthday parties and scale up to outdoor weddings and events. This makes party tents a versatile option for a rental business, especially for someone just starting, and can be combined with tables, chairs, and more.

3. Power tools

Many people love to work on their homes, but power tools are often too expensive to purchase for such limited usage. This has led to a rise in power tool rentals over the past few years, especially since the pandemic. The trend has continued, and many profitable tool rental businesses have formed in the past year or so, but the niche still has space for new companies.

4. RVs and campervans

RVs and campervans offer a unique and convenient way to travel, combining transport and accommodation into one vehicle. By renting out RVs and campervans, you can provide customers a comfortable and affordable way to experience nature. If you’re passionate about camping and want to share your love of the outdoors with others renting out RVs and campervans could be for you.

5. Solar panels

Solar panels have been popular for many years, and as people seek to save on energy costs, they continue to grow. Renting out solar panels provides families and small businesses a sustainable and cost-effective energy source. This is especially true during the current energy crisis; with the price of solar panels decreasing, they can be a wise investment.

6. Starlink dishes

Starlink is a satellite internet service that offers fast and reliable internet access to inaccessible or unreliable areas. By renting out Starlink dishes, you can provide individuals and production studios visiting these areas with a much-needed internet connection. This is a very new niche, so there’s plenty of room for you to establish yourself and become a key player.

7. Drones

Drones can be a great way to earn extra income because they’re at an exciting price point. They’re becoming affordable for hobbyists, but they’re still out of reach of the average consumer. This makes them perfect for renting out as many people use them for personal and professional endeavors, but investing in their own doesn’t make monetary sense.

8. VR headsets

VR headsets sit in an exciting place in the marketplace. Those who want one and can afford one can purchase them fairly easily, but they are still too expensive for many. People would rent a VR headset for several reasons, from children’s parties to medical research. So, it makes them a lucrative market to get into as there are many demographics to target.

9. Photobooths

Photobooths give people a unique, interactive experience at weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and special occasions. They can be enjoyable and profitable to rent out, especially in areas with high demand for event services. The demand for interactive event experiences continues to grow, and it can be an excellent opportunity to generate income.

10. Laptops

Laptops are essential for work, school, and personal use, making them highly sought-after. By renting out laptops, you can provide customers access to high-quality equipment without significant investment. Additionally, renting out laptops can be a great way to attract business travelers, students, and others needing temporary access to computing equipment.

11. Cameras

Renting out cameras can also be profitable for photographers or camera enthusiasts. Many creatives, from students making films in college to full-fledged product studios, need to rent cameras. By offering a range of camera options, from entry-level DSLRs to high-end mirrorless cameras, you can cater to a wide range of needs and budgets with your business.

12. Boats

Boating is a popular vacation activity, especially in coastal areas and around lakes. Depending on the size of the boats and your target audience, they can be relatively affordable and profitable. You can also expand to other watersports like kayaks, jet skis, and paddleboards. In addition, they can attract tourists and locals who want to explore the water.

13. Costumes

Costumes are essential for Halloween, cosplay, and other occasions, but they often don’t require purchasing. Most people will rent costumes because people only use them for one or very few events a year. So, if you’re interested in fashion and want to start a rental business, renting out costumes could be the perfect opportunity for you.

14. Baby clothing

Baby clothing isn’t that economical to purchase because babies grow so fast that you don’t get much use out of it. Recently, the popularity of renting baby clothing has grown a lot as more people see it’s much more affordable and practical than the alternative. It is a booming industry with a lot of potential and a massive audience.

15. LED lighting

LED lighting is often rented alongside cameras by everyone from students to production studios. It is vital when you are shooting film and video that you have the right lighting conditions. Despite often being rented with cameras, more rental businesses that focus on renting out LED lighting have popped up over the past few years, especially in Europe.

16. Sofas

Sofas are rented for many reasons, from people needing furniture for a temporary living situation to realtors staging a home they are selling. As a result, there is a large and varied audience for sofa rentals. This is especially true as more homes are being built to keep up with demand, and more people choose temporary living situations due to remote working.

17. Artwork

Renting out artwork is a great way to support artists, enhance the aesthetic of a space, and provide opportunities for more people to appreciate the beauty and value of art. Artwork is often rented by hotels, home stagers, and buildings that often change their style. As an artist, it can be a great way to share your work and make money without selling your artwork.

18. Suits

Suits are generally rented for weddings and other special events where wearing smart attire is necessary. With these events happening almost every weekend, there is a big market for suit rentals. Renting out suits can be very profitable when you’re based in a highly populated area. As long as you meet the demands of the customers in your city.

19. Breast pumps

Breast pumps are generally only used for a few months of a baby’s life, and purchasing them often doesn’t make sense. There has been a trend towards renting breast pumps for a few years. Of course, due to their intimate nature, they must be hygienically sanitized between rentals. However, they can be an excellent choice as a starter for a baby gear rental business.

20. Camera lenses

Camera lenses are usually rented alongside high-end camera bodies. This will be in camera stores and rental shops. However, with the growth of peer-to-peer sharing, many hobbyists can rent them out for extra income. If you’re into cameras and have lenses gathering dust, it might be time to bring them out of storage and see what rental income you can make.

21. Tables and chairs

Tables and chairs are often rented alongside party tents. After all, you will need somewhere for your guests to sit and dine. Of course, you could take tables and chairs from home, but that’s a lot of hassle to set up and transport. Party rental companies can deal with all that and include them in packages with tents to increase the revenue generated per customer.

22. Bed Linens

Many vacation rental homes and cottages will ask their guests to bring bed linens. You may think this is due to the pandemic, but it has happened for many years. Often, it can be too much of a hassle to bring them from home, so many turn to renting bed linens from businesses in the local area. People who live near a vacation hotspot can benefit from renting out bed linens.

23. Retail LED displays

You may have seen giant LED displays in malls and other shopping areas and wondered where they originated. Well, they were likely rented from a company that specializes in them. They can be pretty expensive, so when they’re used for a short promo run, it makes much more sense to rent them instead. If you have the money to invest, they can be profitable.

24. Toys

Children’s toys can be costly, and they will rarely be interested in them for a long time, especially in their early years. This has given rise to toy rental businesses, allowing you to quickly switch out a child’s toys every few months. This also allows children to try before their parents buy, so rentals can be a great addition to an existing toy store looking to increase business.

25. Luxury yachts

Renting out luxury yachts has become a popular trend in the travel industry. It offers a unique and lavish experience for those seeking an unforgettable vacation. Of course, not everyone can afford a luxury yacht, so those with capital to invest in them can make a great living renting them out. You have to be located in an affluent area by the ocean that will attract guests.

26. Lawn games

Lawn game rentals are among the most affordable rental businesses, as they can be purchased cheaply from Amazon. Many options include giant versions of traditional games like Connect4 and Jenga. Some games are more commonly played outdoors, like boules and croquet. If you want to start a rental business with a low up-front cost, lawn games are great.

27. Mountain bikes

If you’ve ever been on vacation, you’ve probably seen mountain bikes available to rent. They are one of the most popular products to rent, especially in areas that are popular with adventure tourists. They can be bought relatively cheaply, making them affordable for someone looking to start a profitable rental business in a tourist hotspot.

28. Bounce houses

When you picture a child’s birthday, one of the first things that probably comes to your mind is a bounce house. Did you ever wonder where they came from? They are, of course, rented from a local party supply business. Parents celebrate their children’s birthdays every weekend, so if you live in a city with a high population, you could be fully booked out all summer.

29. Projectors

Projectors can be used for various purposes, such as showing videos, displaying slideshows, or presenting important information. By renting a projector, individuals or organizations can avoid the expense of purchasing one outright while still benefiting from its capabilities. They could be a great rental opportunity if you work in the audiovisual or corporate fields.

30. Hiking gear

For many, the investment required to have a complete set of hiking gear is too much for the few times they will need it. Renting hiking gear where they intend to hike at a much more affordable price is becoming more popular. Often, hiking gear is rented alongside camping gear, as the two go hand in hand with those who like to explore the wilderness.

31. Evening dresses

One of the most popular categories for clothing rentals is evening dresses, as people often don’t want to splash on a dress they will wear once. They are rented for various reasons, from weddings to corporate events and birthday parties. If you have your own dress selection or a clothing store, renting out evening dresses could be a great opportunity.

32. Scaffolding

If you’re in the right area and market to the right customers, scaffolding rentals can be very lucrative. Scaffolding is needed on every large-scale building project, so there’s very much demand. You don’t even need to have your inventory. You can sub-rent from other scaffolding businesses. This makes it much easier to get started in scaffolding rentals.

33. Arcade games

Renting out arcade games is about letting customers experience the joy of playing new and classic video games. If you can find the ones that are in demand and you’re priced competitively, you should see a decent return on your initial investment. They are popular for parties and other events where people want to feel the nostalgia of playing arcade games.

34. White goods

Renting out white goods such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers has become popular in recent years. It can also help reduce upfront costs for tenants needing more funds to purchase new appliances. It can also help attract potential tenants looking for furnished properties with all the necessary amenities.

35. Moving boxes

People often don’t have many boxes to transport belongings to their new homes. Plastic moving boxes provide a solution that’s both affordable and practical for short periods. To be successful with moving box rentals, it can be good to form relationships with realtors and storage spaces, as you can get a lot of business from word-of-mouth.

36. Exotic cars

Exotic cars have always been a popular choice for rentals. Most people will never be able to afford them in their lifetime and want to experience what driving one is like. There is also a significant demand for exotic car rentals for music videos and movies. This gives rental business owners a variety of demographics to target for exotic car rentals.

37. Strollers

Strollers can often be big and clunky, meaning they’re not ideal for taking with you on vacation. This has led to the popularity of renting baby gear, like strollers, at vacation destinations. Ideally, your stroller rental business should be located inside or near transit hubs. Not only does this improve visibility, but it also makes it more convenient for customers to pick them up.

38. Guitars

When children (or adults) first begin learning to play the guitar, it doesn’t make sense to invest in equipment straight away. Generally, people will rent guitars from the school offering the lessons, but they will also rent them from other local businesses. The margins for guitar rentals are relatively low, but they can make a great investment as a side business.

39. Wedding dresses

There was a time when everyone would buy their wedding dress and keep it forever as a memento. This was likely due to the high budget people would put towards weddings. However, people are spending less and less on weddings, and dresses are usually one of the biggest expenses. It is becoming increasingly common for people to rent their wedding dresses.

40. Earthmoving equipment

Small construction business owners commonly rent earthmoving equipment as they’re more affordable than investing. They get the benefits of the equipment’s capabilities without the expenditure of purchasing and maintaining it themselves. Many construction rental businesses will sub-rent the equipment for larger companies and make a decent profit.

How do I determine pricing for the items I want to rent out?

To determine pricing for the items you want to rent out, it’s important to conduct market research to understand the going rates for similar items in your area. Consider factors such as the item’s value, demand, rental duration, and maintenance costs. You can also look at rental platforms or local rental businesses to see their pricing structures. Setting a competitive yet profitable price may involve some trial and error, adjusting rates based on demand and customer feedback.

What are the best platforms or marketplaces to list these rental items?

Choosing the best platforms or marketplaces to list rental items depends on the type of item you’re renting. For general items, platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or peer-to-peer rental sites like Fat Llama can be effective. For specialized items, such as camera equipment or sports gear, look for niche rental marketplaces that cater to specific interests. Local classified ads, both online and in print, can also be a good way to reach potential renters in your area. Consider using multiple platforms to increase visibility and reach a wider audience.

What legal or insurance considerations should I be aware of?

When renting out items, understanding the legal and insurance implications is crucial to protect yourself and your property. It’s advisable to have a rental agreement in place that outlines the terms of the rental, including the rental period, payment, and what happens in case of damage or theft. Regarding insurance, check if your current homeowners or renters insurance covers the rental of personal property. If not, you may need to obtain additional coverage or a specific policy that covers rental activities. It’s also a good idea to require renters to provide a security deposit to cover potential damages. Consulting with a legal professional can help ensure you’re fully covered and compliant with any relevant laws and regulations.

If you’re considering starting your own rental business, you’ll hopefully have a stronger idea of what you can rent out now. Many products can be turned into rental companies, and the list will only grow with the cost of living rising. Equipment rental software can help you get started with all the tools you need. Of course, the list you’ve read today is far from complete, and you should continue researching products you can rent out.