Fenced outdoor car storage lot

Car owners without garage space, people on deployment or long trips, seasonal residents, small dealers and hobbyists with extra cars, trailers or boats.

Monthly rent per space, often priced by vehicle size, with small extras such as late fees or admin fees. Income grows with the number of spaces you fill.

• Basic bookkeeping
• Customer service
• Marketing locally and online
• Practical eye for security and upkeep

• Zoning and any permit needed for a storage lot; check with your city or county
• Insurance: ask a broker about property, general liability and coverage for customers' vehicles in your care
• Abandoned vehicles and unpaid rent: rules on liens and removal differ by state, so check before you write contracts
• Fluid leaks and stormwater rules, which may apply to paved or gravel lots
• If you lease the land, check the lease allows subletting for vehicle storage
• Check whether your state taxes storage rentals and whether you need to register

Startup costs are typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on whether you own or lease the land, plus fencing, lighting and cameras. Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the number of spaces and your location.

Check zoning and any permit needed for a storage lot with your city or county. Also check state rules on liens and removal of abandoned vehicles before writing contracts, plus fluid leak and stormwater rules for paved or gravel lots.

Check the lease allows subletting for vehicle storage. Ask a broker about property, general liability and coverage for customers' vehicles in your care, and check whether your state taxes storage rentals and whether you need to register.