Student instrument hire from home

Parents of school-age learners, adult beginners, and music teachers who recommend you to their pupils.

A monthly rental fee per instrument, often with a refundable deposit. Each instrument pays back its cost over many months of hire.

• Basic knowledge of common instruments
• Careful record keeping
• Friendly, reliable customer service

• Insurance for your stock, and public liability cover if people collect from your home
• Check whether you need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council to run a business from home
• Instruments can be damaged, lost or not returned, so use a deposit and a clear agreement
• Consumer law applies to hire agreements, so check your terms are fair and clear
• Keep records of income and costs for Self Assessment, and check whether you must register as a sole trader

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how many instruments you buy and which types. These are estimates. Instruments can be damaged, lost or not returned, so a deposit and a clear agreement are worth planning for.

Monthly revenue is typically around £200 to £1,200, depending on the size of your stock and how many families hire from you. This is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and it can start from around 4 hours a week.

Check insurance for your stock, and public liability cover if people collect from your home. Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council needs to agree, that your hire terms are fair and clear under consumer law, and your Self Assessment obligations.