Appliance rentals for landlords and property managers
Supply fridges, washers and dryers on monthly contracts to landlords and furnished rentals, with a van and storage space.
- $10k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
4,436 US businesses with employees in this field, -9.6% in a year
NAICS 532210 “Consumer electronics and appliances rental”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
You keep a stock of appliances in a storage unit or small warehouse and rent them to landlords, property managers and furnished-housing operators. You handle delivery, installation, repairs and pickup.
Your first three steps
- Call local property managers and landlords to learn what they pay now and which appliances they need most
- Price storage space and a used cargo van, and build a budget for stock, a dolly, straps and tools
- Draft a business rental contract and an inventory tracking sheet, then pitch a small trial package to one or two managers
Who pays
Small landlords, property managers, student housing and corporate or furnished rental operators.
How it makes money
Monthly rental fees per appliance, often bundled into a package per apartment, plus delivery and installation fees. Repeat contracts with the same managers build steady income.
Skills that help
- Appliance repair and servicing
- Driving and delivery logistics
- Selling to businesses and keeping records
Watch out for
- General liability and commercial auto insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
- Check your city or county for business license and zoning rules for storage or a workshop
- Check whether your state requires registration or special rules for rental equipment, and how sales tax applies to rentals
- Some states regulate rent-to-own agreements, so keep contracts to straightforward monthly rentals unless you've checked
- Cash flow, since you pay for the appliances up front and recover the cost slowly
- Repair, damage and lost-unit costs, so build deposits and inspections into contracts
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: appliance rentals for landlords and property managers
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an appliance rental business for landlords?
Startup costs are typically around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on how many appliances you buy and your storage and vehicle needs. Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on stock and contracts. Cash flow is slow, since you pay for appliances up front.
What rules should I check before renting appliances to landlords?
Check your city or county for business license and zoning rules for storage or a workshop, and whether your state requires registration or special rules for rental equipment. Also check how sales tax applies to rentals and your state's rules on rent-to-own agreements.
What skills and time does an appliance rental business need?
Useful skills include appliance repair and servicing, driving and delivery logistics, and selling to businesses while keeping records. Expect typically at least 25 hours a week. Build deposits and inspections into contracts to cover repair and damage costs.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Feng shui and wellness gift shop
Open a small storefront selling feng shui décor and offering simple décor advice to local buyers.
- $10k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local screen shop with walk-in counter
Run a small shop making, repairing and selling window, door and patio screens to walk-in and contractor customers.
- $12k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Neighborhood botanica shop
Open a small shop selling herbs, candles, incense and devotional items to people who follow folk and spiritual traditions.
- $12k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Trophy and awards shop with a storefront
Open a small local shop making trophies, plaques and engraved gifts for schools, clubs and businesses.
- $12k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Vintage clothing storefront
Open a small shop with a curated vintage collection and build a loyal local following.
- $10k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local acrylic and plastics supply shop
Run a small unit stocking acrylic sheet, cut to size for local trades, sign makers and walk-in hobbyists.
- $10k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises