Small tool rental from home

Handymen, small contractors, landlords and property managers, plus homeowners doing their own projects.

Daily, weekend and weekly rental rates per tool, plus optional delivery fees and sales of consumables like blades and bits.

• Knowing tools and how to explain them
• Basic maintenance and repair
• Keeping track of bookings and inventory

• General liability insurance and whether it covers rented-out equipment, ask an insurance agent
• Home occupation permit, zoning, and HOA or lease rules for customers coming to your address
• Theft, damage and unreturned tools, so check ID and take deposits
• Injury risk from misuse, give safety instructions and check what your agreement should say
• Sales tax on rentals, check your state's rules

Estimates put startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many tools you buy, such as hammer drills, tile saws, pressure washers and ladders, and what storage you need. A garage or storage unit is the usual base.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $4,000, depending on the size of your fleet, your pricing and demand from handymen, contractors, landlords and homeowners. The estimates assume at least 8 hours a week.

Ask an insurance agent whether general liability covers rented-out equipment. Check home occupation permits, zoning, and HOA or lease rules for customers visiting. Also check your state's sales tax rules on rentals, and use ID checks, deposits and safety instructions.