47 Profitable Rental Business Ideas 2023 (Actually Doable)

Rental businesses provide an easy way to make a profit quickly.

From clothing to cars, people rent items more than ever before, and once you’ve bought your inventory, you can start making money straight away. 

Plus, anyone can do it! If you’re interested in starting, check out some of our rental business ideas below to figure out the best business idea for you. 

1. Artificial Flowers Rental 

People need artificial flowers for events or to temporarily dress a space, and they’re much easier to maintain than real flowers, making them easier to store. 

Start small and buy a few hundred dollars worth of flowers to see the level of demand.

You’ll need a few thousand if you decide to rent a full store or save money by keeping the flowers at your home. You can expect to make a profit margin of between 40-60%. 

2. Props and Sets Rental 

People working in the film and TV industry regularly need props and sets but don’t want to buy them outright.

To get started with this rental service, you’ll need at least $5000 to buy sufficient props and possibly a few more thousand for storage space.

Although the props and set equipment are expensive, you can expect to make a profit margin of at least 40%.  

3. Glamping Gear Rental 

Thanks to the increase in people glamping for a more comfortable festival or camping experience, the demand for glamping gear has increased.

To have a reasonable selection of equipment, you’ll need to spend between $2000 and $10,000. 

If you successfully market your product to affluent holidaymakers, you can expect to enjoy a profit margin of at least 40%. 

4. Stroller Rentals

With travel becoming increasingly popular and easier to do, more parents want to take their children abroad, but finding gear can be an issue. That’s where stroller rentals come in. 

To get started, you’ll need at least $2000 for a selection of strollers. Set up your business in an area that attracts many tourists for maximum success. Profit margins for stroller rentals tend to be upwards of 40%.

5. Car Seat Rentals

Parents that travel a lot or grandparents that only need a car seat for a limited time will benefit from a car seat rental business.

You’ll need a few thousand dollars to get started, and it’s worth marketing your products in nurseries and other places you’ll find parents. You can expect to make a profit margin of between 40% and 80%. 

6. Party Character Rentals

With opulent children’s parties on the rise, party character rentals are increasing in popularity. To get started, you’ll need up to $1000 to buy character costumes and travel to parties. 

Consider marketing your business in places you tend to find parents or advertise your services on local community Facebook pages. You can expect to make a profit margin of at least 50% on this rental business because the set-up costs are affordable. 

7. Portable Toilet Rental 

This renting service business is ideal for festivals, parties, and basically any outdoor events. Renting portable toilets is a timeless business idea because they’ll always be required for large public gatherings. 

You’ll need at least $5000 to buy a reasonable selection of portable toilets, and you’ll need to organize a means of cleaning and transporting them. The profit margin will be between 40% and 80%. 

8. Horse Riding Equipment Rental

Budding equestrians will benefit from this rental business model, which allows horse riders to borrow equipment temporarily for training, competing, or throwing a hose-riding event or party. 

You’ll need a couple of thousand of dollars to get started, and you can expect to make a profit margin of at least 30%. Once you’ve bought your inventory, advertise your services at equestrian schools and work in partnership with horse-riding centers. 

9. Wheelchair Rental

Wheelchair rental can be invaluable for people with disabilities, especially when traveling or somewhere new. You can also sell business to business, especially to care homes for the elderly or places that attract a high proportion of older people. 

In order to buy enough stock to rent out, you’ll need at least $5000 to begin with. You’ll likely make a profit margin of at least 40%. 

10. Moving Gear Rental

If there’s one thing that’s constant in any economy, it’s that people move houses. This makes moving gear rental a high-profit rental idea. You’ll need to decide exactly what gear you’ll rent, for example, packing materials or a moving van.

Depending on what you buy for your inventory, you can spend anywhere between $2000 to $50,000. You can expect to make a profit margin of at least 20%. 

11. Campsite Rental

While renting a campsite can be incredibly profitable, the upfront costs are high.

If you’re on a strict budget, try starting a camping equipment rental business instead. The land for a campsite can cost tens of thousands of pounds, and it will take a while to recoup these costs as profits. 

Camping equipment rental, on the other hand, costs much less and should create a profit margin of more than 40%. 

12. Photo Background/Booth Rental

In a world where getting the perfect shot for Instagram is crucial, photo background and photo booth rental are booming industries.

This small rental business idea is perfect for weddings, birthdays, and other events. You could even team up with event companies to offer your services as part of a package. 

Depending on how many booths you buy, you’ll need at least $1500 upfront for a profit margin of at least 40%.  

13. Bounce House Rental 

One of the classic components of any children’s party or family event is a bounce house.

The startup funds you need will depend on whether you buy just one house or more – opt for just one, to begin with if you’re on a strict budget. 

You’ll need at least $1000 to get up and running. The profit margins range from 30% to 70% on average.  

14. Lawn Sign Rental 

This renting business model is perfect for those on a strict budget because it doesn’t cost tons to set up. Lawn signs vary from birthday signs to signs for events, and they’re popular all over the U.S.

You can start with less than $1000 for just a few signs if you store them in your house. You can expect to make a significant profit margin of at least 50%. 

15. Electric Car Rental

Electric cars are more environmentally friendly than cars that use gas, so this industry is constantly becoming more popular among people in reducing their carbon footprint. 

It’s more expensive to start an electric car rental, so the best way to do it is in a franchise agreement with a popular retailer. You’ll need tens of thousands of dollars and can expect profit margins of between 5% and 30%.

16. Wedding Equipment Rental 

Most people only get married once or twice, so they prefer to hire equipment than pay for items they’ll never use again.

You first need to decide what equipment you’ll rent (e.g., photo booths, flowers), and this will determine how much money you’ll need. 

The more expensive the products, the more cash you’ll need to begin with. The average profit margin for this industry is around 40-50%. 

17. Party Supplies Rental 

One of the most fun things to rent is party supplies – and they’re always in demand.

You should opt for a niche of, for example, adult parties, children’s parties, or costume parties. Choosing a niche will help you streamline your inventory and marketing. 

Depending on the niche you choose, you’ll need at least $500 to buy your initial supplies. Profit margins average around 40-50%. 

18. Furniture Rental 

People renting unfurnished homes who don’t have the money to buy new furniture will benefit from a furniture rental business. There will always be people renting houses, so you can rely on a steady income with this profitable rental business idea. 

To get started, you’ll need at least $10,000 to buy a significant amount of good-quality furniture. Profit margins average 40% and over. 

19. Power Tools Rental 

People who have just moved to a new home might want to dabble in some DIY without the huge costs involved. That’s where power tools rental businesses come in. 

To get started with this rental service company, you’ll need less than $2000 for a modest supply of tools. With this low-investment rental idea, you’re looking at a profit margin of upwards of 60%. 

20. Roll-Off Dumpster Rental

Dumpsters are used in all sorts of scenarios, from home renovation projects to commercial waste. 

If you want to get involved with this profitable rental business, you’ll need at least $5000 to invest in a few dumpsters. If you want to supply to commercial clients, contact businesses that produce waste to see if they’d be interested. You’re looking at an average profit margin of 50%. 

21. Landscaping Tools Rental

Many people renovate their garden once and don’t participate in any more gardening activities for a little while afterward – making renting tools a better option for them. 

Starting a rental business for landscaping tools is relatively simple. You’ll only need between $2000 and $5000 to buy your tools, and you can expect an average profit margin of at least 40%. 

22. Generator Rental 

As long as electricity exists, there will be a demand for this renting service, making it an excellent timeless business idea.

To get started, you’ll need at least a few thousand dollars for the generators themselves, and you’ll probably need to pay for storage space due to their size. 

In terms of profit margins, you’re looking at a minimum of 50% on average. 

23. Camera Equipment Rental 

Camera equipment rental comes in handy in tons of situations – weddings, travels, and for budding photographers wanting to add images to their portfolio. 

You’ll need at least $1500 to buy the equipment, to begin with, then once you’ve bought it, expect to make an average profit margin of between 40% and 60%. For maximum success, advertise your services at local photography schools. 

24. Kayaking, Canoeing & Rafting Rental

For people who love the great outdoors, there are few activities more exciting than kayaking, canoeing, and rafting. People don’t tend to own this equipment, so it’s an excellent rent business idea. 

You’ll need a minimum of $2000 to buy the initial equipment. It’s best to start with just a few items and offer more if you become successful. Profit margins average 40-50%. 

25. Hunting Equipment Rental 

People who only hunt on special occasions or as part of events don’t tend to own the equipment – ditto businesses that host corporate hunting events. 

You can appeal to a niche in marketing by providing this equipment, and you’ll only need a few thousand dollars to start. You can expect to make a profit margin of at least 50%. 

26. Surf Gear Rental 

If you live near a beach, the best rental business to start is surf gear rental. You can team up with a nearby surfing company or simply rent the gear directly to budding surfers on the beach.

You’ll need around $2500 for a few surfboards and wetsuits to get started, and you’ll likely make an average profit margin of 40-60%. 

27. Forklift Rental 

A forklift rental business is ideal because it appeals to businesses and consumers alike, and forklifts are unlikely to go out of use any time soon. The only catch is you’ll need a lot of cash to get started with the forklift equipment. 

You’ll need, at the very minimum, $2500 just to buy one forklift, so several will cost tens of thousands of dollars. Profit margins average 30-60%. 

28. HVAC Rental 

In areas with moderate climates, many homes don’t have HVAC installed but need it during certain months of the year, making HVAC one of the best things to rent out – especially in busy cities. 

You’ll need a few thousand dollars to buy your first few pieces of kit, and from then onwards, expect to make a profit margin of between 20 and 50%. 

29. Popcorn Machine Rental

Low on money and looking for an easy-to-set-up business? Popcorn machine rental is one of the best rental business ideas for you.

These machines are popular at all types of events, from birthdays to weddings, and you’ll only need $1000 to buy a few machines and a few hundred more for storage, if necessary. 

Profit margins for popcorn machine rental businesses average 50-70%. 

30. Golf Equipment Rental

People learning to play golf for the first time or hosting a golf-themed party or event will benefit from a golf equipment rental service.

One set of golf clubs can cost anywhere between $200 and $1500, so the amount you spend buying your first few sets will depend on the quality. You can expect to make an average profit margin of at least 40%.

31. Musical Instrument Rental 

People of all ages rent musical instruments for events and temporary study, so a musical instrument rental is a great idea for a renting business.

Profit margins average around 50%, but you need a fair amount of cash to get started with multiple instruments – around $5000.

For the best chance of success, advertise your business on flyers at local music schools.  

32. Gym Equipment Rental

As the wellness industry booms, more and more people are making exercise a part of their lifestyles, the need for gym equipment increases.

People create home gyms in their houses and work out at group classes that require equipment. 

You can buy some cheap equipment for less than $2500 if you start with just a few pieces, and average profit margins come to around 50%. 

33. Kiteboarding Equipment Rental 

Kiteboarding is a popular sport for those that live near the sea, and many tourists also like to give it a go.

Not many people actually own a kiteboard, however, which is why kiteboarding equipment rental is one of the best rental ideas in coastal areas. 

To get started, you’ll need around $5000 for enough kiteboarding equipment for a few customers. You’ll make an average profit margin of between 40% and 60%. 

34. Vending Machine Rental

A huge range of businesses need vending machines, and they’re frequently rented for events.

Depending on the type of vending machine you buy, the cost ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars each, so you’ll need a generous budget for this renting idea. 

You can expect to make profit margins of at least 30% from this business idea. 

35. Coffee Machine Rental

Coffee is the nation’s favorite drink, so renting out coffee machines will always prove to be one of the most profitable rental businesses. 

The cost of the coffee machine depends on the quality, so you can opt for cheaper, lower-quality machines and buy them for $1500 or less or spend more for higher-quality coffee machines. You’ll make a profit margin of around 60%.

36. Party Bus Rental 

There are few birthday experiences better than renting a party bus with music and your closest friends, and with lavish birthday celebrations on the up, it’s a good idea to start a rental business in this sector. 

To buy at least one party bus, you’ll need at least $5000. The average profit margin you can expect to make is 40%. 

37. Trailer Rental

People rent trailers for a variety of reasons, including vacations and temporary living accommodations. The one certainty is they’re always popular.

To get started with a trailer rental business, you’ll need at least $12,000 to buy a new trailer to rent. You’ll need even more if you plan on buying several. Profit margins for this rentable items business average 45%. 

38. RV Rental 

The classic American road trip requires a key piece of equipment – an RV. That’s where an RV rental business comes in. You’ll need a considerable amount of cash to get started because RVs are expensive, so put aside at least $10,000 for one RV and even more for multiple RVs. You can expect to make a profit margin of between 30% and 60%. 

39. Camping Trailer Rental

A camping trailer is perfect for couples and families who love to travel but don’t have the money or space to have a trailer at home full-time. 

As renting business ideas go, this one requires more money to get started because camping trailers cost thousands of dollars. Once you’ve invested in the equipment, you can expect to make an average profit margin of 40%. 

40. Boat Rental 

One of the most rented items for tourists on holiday is a boat rental, so if you live near the ocean, why not cash in? As a general rule, the bigger the boat, the more it costs, so if you’re on a strict budget, stick to smaller boats. 

You’ll need at least $10,000 to get started and you can expect to make a profit margin somewhere between 40% and 60%. 

41. Bicycle Rental 

Bikes are popular with both tourists and residents of any city, so you’re guaranteed demand if you opt for a bicycle rental business in a busy area with good accessibility for bikes. To market your rental service, partner with travel companies or offer it as part of a package for tourists.

To start your bicycle rental business, you’ll need around $5000 for several bikes, but you can spend less for fewer bikes. Profit margins average 60%. 

42. Electric Scooter Rental 

Electric scooters provide a cheap, healthy, and easy way to get around a city, so they’re ideal for tourists and residents looking to explore. To get started with an electric scooter business, you’ll need around $5000, which will get you multiple electric scooters. 

You can expect a profit margin of between 45% and 65%. Partner with travel and tourist companies to promote your services. 

43. ATV Rental

Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or just to tick it off the bucket list, tons of people hire ATVs for the day to experience something new. To hire approximately 10 quad bikes, you’ll need between $5000 and $15,000, depending on the quality. 

You’ll likely make an average profit margin of between 40% and 60% with this business idea. 

44. Storage Rental

Ironically, one of the most rented items isn’t an item at all – it’s storage space. People use storage to store belongings when moving home, and businesses that work remotely use them to store key equipment. 

You’ll need over $10,000 to buy a self-storage unit. If this is out of your price range, try offering storage supplies, or managing a storage space for an existing company, instead. Profit margins average between 30% and 50%. 

45. Short-term Home Rental 

Whether people are staying for a few months in a new city or have nowhere to live while moving house, short-term home rentals are incredibly popular. 

If you have a second property, there are very little costs involved, but buying or sub-letting a property is very expensive, especially in cities. To save costs, offer to manage a rental space for a property company. 

46. Land Rental 

Land rental can take many forms. You can rent a space for events or land for agriculture, for example.

This business idea is excellent for people who already own land, but if you plan on buying land, bear in mind it tends to be expensive. 

You can expect to make a high-profit margin compared to the costs of upkeep of the land. 

47. Office Space Rental 

Many businesses need an office space to work from but don’t have the cash to buy one outright. Office space rental offers a solution. 

To rent office space, you’ll first need to buy a unit, which tends to cost tens (sometimes hundreds) of thousands of dollars.

If you don’t have the cash required, you could start a business looking after the upkeep of offices instead. 

Office space rental offers a profit margin of between 30% and 50%.