RV, boat and trailer storage lot

RV, boat and trailer owners who can't store them at home because of space, condo or HOA-style rules, or municipal bylaws.

Monthly or seasonal fees per space, with higher rates for covered or larger spaces. Winter storage can fill up early, so prepaid seasonal contracts help cash flow.

• Organising bookings and space
• Friendly, reliable customer service
• Basic site upkeep and security

• Zoning and development permit rules for outdoor storage, which vary by municipality
• Site preparation (grading, drainage, gravel, perimeter fencing, gate, lighting and cameras) can cost far more than expected for a larger lot, so get several quotes before committing
• Commercial general liability and property insurance; check whether you need extra cover for customers' vehicles
• Rental agreements that clearly limit your liability and set out what happens if rent goes unpaid; check provincial rules on selling abandoned goods
• Snow clearing, drainage and access in winter
• Theft and vandalism, so plan lighting, fencing and cameras

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $30,000 to $120,000, depending on the size of the lot and site preparation. Grading, drainage, gravel, fencing, a gate, lighting and cameras can cost far more than expected for a larger lot, so get several quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $600 to $3,000, depending on lot size, how full it is and local demand. The estimate assumes as little as about 4 hours a week, mostly managing bookings, access and basic security.

Check zoning and development permit rules for outdoor storage, which vary by municipality. Also check insurance, including commercial general liability, property cover and any extra cover for customers' vehicles, and provincial rules on selling abandoned goods if rent goes unpaid.