Introduction: Making Money Without Owning Rental Property
Most people think rental income means buying expensive real estate. The truth is only 6.7% of Americans actually own rental property, according to Pew Research. But here’s what nobody talks about: you’re probably sitting on dozens of money-making opportunities right now.
Your spare bedroom. Your driveway. That expensive camera collecting dust. Even your backyard pool. These everyday items can generate real income without the hassle of being a landlord.
The numbers speak for themselves. Pool owners are making $5,000 per month through Swimply. Car owners earn $10,000 yearly on Turo. People with spare rooms pull in $2,500 monthly on Airbnb. This isn’t complicated real estate investing—it’s turning what you already own into cash.
Why is this happening now? Simple. People want access, not ownership. Travelers need places to stay. Photographers need equipment for weekend shoots. Families need baby gear for vacations. Instead of buying everything, they’re renting from people like you.
The platforms make it foolproof. They handle payments, provide insurance, and vet customers. Your job is just to list what you have and collect the money.
We’ll show you 15 things you can rent out starting today. No business degree required. No massive upfront investment. Just practical ways to turn your stuff into steady income.
15 Things You Can Rent Out for Extra Cash
1. Spare Bedroom or Guest Room
Turn your empty room into a money machine. Even small bedrooms in average neighborhoods can bring in $800-$2,500 monthly on Airbnb or VRBO. Urban areas and tourist spots pay more, but even suburban rooms find steady renters.
The setup is straightforward. Clean sheets, reliable WiFi, and a workspace attract business travelers and remote workers. Add a coffee maker and you’ll get five-star reviews. Many hosts report their spare room pays their entire mortgage.
Check local rules first. Some cities require permits for short-term rentals. Your homeowners association might have restrictions too. Most platforms provide host insurance, but review your current policy to avoid gaps.
2. Swimming Pool
Your backyard pool can generate serious cash through Swimply. Pool owners regularly make $1,000-$5,000 monthly, with some earning $25,000 during peak summer months. Renters include families wanting private swim time, swim instructors, and even film crews.
The platform provides $2 million liability coverage and $10,000 property protection. You set the hourly rate and availability. Clean restrooms, safety equipment, and poolside amenities like chairs or grills increase bookings.
This works year-round in warm climates. Even winter pool rentals happen for photo shoots or private events. Your biggest expense—pool maintenance—now pays for itself.
3. Your Car or Van
Turn your depreciating car into income. Turo hosts average $500-$1,000 monthly, with luxury or unique vehicles earning more. Your car needs to be less than 12 years old and in good shape.
Business travelers, tourists, and delivery drivers need reliable transportation. Weekend bookings are especially popular. Turo provides up to $750,000 liability coverage and handles the insurance claims process.
Document your car’s condition before each rental. Keep it clean and fueled. Respond quickly to booking requests. Many successful hosts treat this like a small business, earning enough to cover car payments and maintenance.
4. Driveway or Parking Spot
City parking is expensive and scarce. Your driveway or assigned parking spot can solve this problem for others while paying you. SpotHero, JustPark, and Neighbor connect you with people needing parking.
Location determines earnings. Spots near airports, stadiums, or business districts command premium rates—sometimes $300+ monthly. Even suburban driveways near train stations or universities find steady renters.
Mention security features like cameras or gated access. Covered parking and electric vehicle charging stations increase demand. Some spot owners make more from parking than traditional part-time jobs.
5. Backyard Spaces
Your backyard has earning potential beyond swimming pools. Event planners, photographers, and yoga instructors rent outdoor spaces for $40-$150 hourly through Peerspace and Giggster. Small weddings, birthday parties, and photo shoots need private outdoor venues.
Don’t overlook pet owners. Sniffspot connects your fenced yard with dogs needing secure play areas. Dog owners in apartments pay well for safe spaces where their pets can run freely.
Fire pits, outdoor lighting, and seating areas make your space more attractive. Even small yards work if they’re well-maintained and offer something unique—like city views or mature trees.
6. Storage Space (Garage, Shed, Basement)
Americans have too much stuff and not enough space. Your unused garage, basement, or shed can store someone else’s belongings for $50-$600 monthly through Neighbor and Stache.
College students store furniture between semesters. Small business owners need inventory space. Seasonal items like holiday decorations or summer equipment need homes during off-months.
Keep the space clean, dry, and accessible. Clear communication about access hours and restrictions prevents problems. Some storage hosts convert old barns or detached garages into climate-controlled units for higher rates.
7. Bicycles, E-Bikes, and Scooters
Urban tourism and eco-friendly commuting drive bike rental demand. Well-maintained bikes earn $20-$100 weekly on ListNRide and FriendWithA. E-bikes and premium models command higher rates.
Tourist areas and college towns offer the best opportunities. Include helmets, locks, and local trail maps to enhance your listing. Regular maintenance keeps your bikes rental-ready and protects your investment.
Some bike owners build fleets of rental bikes, turning this into a serious income stream. Start with one bike to test demand in your area.
8. Camera Equipment and Drones
Photography gear sits unused most of the time. ShareGrid and KitSplit connect your cameras, lenses, and drones with photographers who need equipment for specific projects. Weekly earnings range from $50-$300 per item.
High-end equipment and rare lenses attract professional users willing to pay premium rates. Include sample photos or footage taken with your gear to showcase quality. Protective cases and detailed usage instructions prevent damage.
Track serial numbers and require deposits for expensive items. Many photographers prefer renting specialized equipment rather than buying gear they’ll use occasionally.
9. Camping and Outdoor Gear
Camping equipment is expensive to buy but used infrequently. Rent out tents, sleeping bags, portable stoves, and kayaks for $10-$100 daily through FriendWithA. High-end brands like YETI and North Face attract more renters.
Bundle related items into complete camping kits for higher earnings. Include setup instructions and maintenance guidelines to protect your gear and help renters succeed.
National parks and camping seasons drive demand. Even winter gear like snowshoes and cold-weather tents find renters in appropriate climates.
10. Musical Instruments
Music students, performers, and hobbyists need instrument access without the commitment of purchasing. Guitars, keyboards, violins, and amps earn $25-$150 weekly on Fat Llama.
Include performance videos showcasing sound quality. Keep instruments properly maintained and tuned. Package deals—like guitar with amp and cables—appeal to beginners.
Music teachers often rent instruments for students to try before buying. Recording studios need backup equipment. Your unused instruments can support other people’s musical journeys while generating income.
11. Designer Clothing and Accessories
Luxury fashion items gathering closet dust can earn money through Tulerie and By Rotation. High-end dresses, designer shoes, and authentic handbags rent for occasions when people want luxury without the purchase price.
Items must be in excellent condition and professionally cleaned between rentals. Peak demand occurs around weddings, galas, and holiday parties. Lenders can earn $200+ monthly from in-demand pieces.
Clear photos, accurate measurements, and brand authenticity increase bookings. Tulerie charges a 24% lending fee but handles damage protection and late return policies.
12. Wedding & Party Decor
Wedding decorations are expensive to buy and used only once. Instead of storing or discarding these items, rent them to other couples and event planners through Facebook Marketplace or Rent My Wedding.
Floral arches, centerpieces, signage, and table settings can earn $20-$200 per event. Store items carefully in labeled bins and take professional photos for listings. Offering delivery or setup services increases your earning potential.
This seasonal business peaks during wedding season but works year-round for various celebrations. Some decorators build substantial inventories and turn this into full-time businesses.
13. Tools and Equipment
DIY projects require specialized tools most people don’t own. Power washers, drills, ladders, and lawn equipment rent for $10-$100 daily on Fat Llama and FriendWithA.
Create project bundles like “painting prep kit” or “basic home repair set” to increase rental values. Include usage instructions and safety guidelines. High-ticket items like carpet cleaners and pressure washers earn the most.
Weekend demand is highest when people tackle home improvement projects. Reliable, well-maintained tools earn repeat customers and positive reviews.
14. Baby Gear
Traveling families need baby equipment without the hassle of shipping or flying with bulky items. BabyQuip connects your cribs, strollers, car seats, and high chairs with families who need them temporarily.
All gear must meet current safety standards and be thoroughly cleaned between uses. BabyQuip provides insurance and cleaning protocols. Providers in busy metro areas often earn $500-$1,000 monthly.
Delivery and hotel setup services increase bookings. Families pay premium rates for convenience, especially in tourist destinations and business travel cities.
15. Your Social Media Following
If you’ve built a social media audience, that following has value. Brands pay influencers for product mentions, affiliate marketing, and content collaborations through platforms like AspireIQ and Upfluence.
Rates vary based on follower count and engagement rates. Micro-influencers with 10,000-100,000 engaged followers often earn more per follower than mega-influencers. Authentic content and niche audiences attract higher-paying brand partnerships.
Maintain consistent posting and genuine engagement with your audience. Affiliate links, product reviews, and sponsored posts can generate passive income from content you’re already creating.
Final Thoughts: Your Next Paycheck Is Already in Your House
You don’t need to become a real estate mogul to earn rental income. The stuff you own right now—your spare room, your car, even your backyard—can generate real money starting today.
The rental economy has exploded because people want access over ownership. They’d rather rent a camera for a weekend shoot than buy equipment they’ll rarely use. They need parking near the airport more than they need to own a second car.
This creates opportunity for you. Platforms like Airbnb, Turo, and Swimply handle the hard parts—marketing, payments, and insurance. Your job is simple: list what you have and maintain it well.
Start small. Pick one item you rarely use and list it this week. See how the process works. Learn what renters in your area want. Then expand to other items.
Some people turn this into serious income streams. Pool owners making $25,000 per summer. Car owners earning enough to cover all vehicle expenses. Spare room hosts paying their mortgages.
But even modest earnings matter. An extra $200-$500 monthly pays for groceries, builds your emergency fund, or funds a vacation. It’s money you’re not making now from stuff you already own.
The best part? You’re helping other people too. You’re giving families affordable vacation accommodations. You’re helping photographers access professional equipment. You’re providing students with safe storage for their belongings.
Your unused assets can solve other people’s problems while solving your money concerns. That’s a win-win worth pursuing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What unexpected things can I rent out to make money?
Beyond the obvious car and spare room, you can rent your pool, driveway, backyard, storage spaces, bicycles, camera gear, musical instruments, designer clothes, baby equipment, tools, wedding decorations, and even your social media influence. Platforms exist for almost anything people need temporarily.
Q: How much money can I actually make renting out my stuff?
Earnings vary by item and location. Spare rooms can generate $800-$2,500 monthly. Swimming pools make $1,000-$5,000 monthly. Cars earn $500-$1,000 monthly. Even smaller items like bikes or tools can bring in $20-$100 weekly. Multiple rental streams can create meaningful supplemental income.
Q: Is it safe to rent my personal belongings to strangers?
Yes, when using established platforms. Services like Turo provide $750,000 liability coverage for car rentals. Swimply offers $2 million pool coverage. BabyQuip has strict safety standards. Most platforms include identity verification, insurance protection, and damage coverage. Always review terms and notify your personal insurance company.
Q: Do I need special insurance to rent out my things?
Rental platforms provide base insurance coverage, but you should review your existing policies. Some home or auto insurers exclude rental activities unless specifically covered. Contact your insurance agent to understand any gaps and consider additional coverage if needed.
Q: What about taxes on rental income?
Rental income is taxable. Most platforms issue 1099 forms for earnings above certain thresholds. However, you can usually deduct related expenses like maintenance, platform fees, insurance, and depreciation. Keep detailed records and consult a tax professional to maximize deductions while staying compliant.
Q: Which platforms work best for different items?
Airbnb and VRBO for rooms and properties. Swimply for pools. Turo and Getaround for vehicles. Neighbor and Stache for storage. BabyQuip for baby gear. FriendWithA and Fat Llama for tools, bikes, cameras, and miscellaneous items. SpotHero and JustPark for parking spaces. Choose platforms specialized for your specific rental type.
Q: Can I really make money renting my backyard or parking space?
Absolutely. Urban parking spots near airports or event venues can earn $300+ monthly. Backyards rent for $40-$150 hourly for events, photo shoots, or dog play areas through platforms like Peerspace and Sniffspot. Location and unique features determine earning potential.
Q: What maintenance do rental items require?
Regular upkeep protects your investment and ensures positive reviews. Clean cars between rentals. Keep pools safe and sanitary. Maintain and tune musical instruments. Check tools for safety issues. Store items properly when not rented. Well-maintained items command higher rates and attract more bookings.
Q: Do I need permits or licenses to rent out my belongings?
Most personal item rentals don’t require special licenses. However, short-term room rentals may need permits depending on local regulations. Check with your city or county about zoning restrictions, especially for frequent rentals. Some homeowner associations also restrict rental activities.
Q: How can I maximize my rental income?
Use high-quality photos and detailed descriptions in listings. Respond quickly to inquiries. Maintain items in excellent condition. Offer extras like delivery, setup instructions, or bundled packages. Price competitively but don’t undervalue quality items. Collect positive reviews by providing great customer service. Consider multiple platforms to reach more potential renters.