Lend & Earn
Rent Out Your Stuff to Verified Neighbors and Earn
Turn the camera, tools and gear you rarely use into extra income — on your terms, with people you can verify.
If you've ever searched for a rent out my stuff app, you probably have a closet full of things that are worth something but rarely leave the house: a good camera, a pressure washer, a tent, a projector. BorrowBuddy lets you earn money from things you own by lending them to verified people nearby — you set the price, the dates and the rules.
Unlike posting on an open marketplace, every borrower on BorrowBuddy has verified their identity and has a visible trust score, so you can decide who you lend to with real information.
The problem: valuable things that sit unused
Most households own expensive items that get used a handful of times a year. They lose value in storage, and meanwhile someone a few streets away is about to buy the exact same thing for a single weekend.
Lending to strangers online can feel risky. You don't know who you're meeting, there's no record of the item's condition, and chasing payment is uncomfortable. Many people in immigrant and diaspora communities across the US already lend informally to friends and church members — but without anything in writing, it can strain relationships.
BorrowBuddy keeps the generosity and removes the guesswork. Read our beginner's guide on how to rent out your stuff safely for practical tips before you list your first item.
How lending works in BorrowBuddy
- 01
List your item
Add photos, a short description, your price per day or per weekend, and any deposit you'd like.
- 02
Choose who you lend to
Review each request with the borrower's verified profile and trust score, then accept or decline.
- 03
Hand over with a record
Photograph the item together at pickup. The agreed terms are saved in the app for both of you.
- 04
Get it back and get paid
Confirm the return with photos. Payment is released once both sides confirm the handover went as agreed.
How BorrowBuddy protects lenders
Verified borrowers
Every borrower verifies their ID before they can request items, so you're never lending to an anonymous account.
Trust score history
See how a borrower has treated other people's things before you say yes.
Condition photos
Pickup and return photos give you a clear, timestamped record of your item's condition.
Protected payments
Rental fees and deposits are handled in-app instead of in cash, then released once both sides confirm.
Learn more about how protected payments between people work on BorrowBuddy.
What to look for in a rent out my stuff app
Whichever app you choose, check for three things: who the borrowers are (verified identities, not anonymous profiles), how condition is recorded (photos at both ends, not just a description), and how payment is handled (in-app, released after confirmation, not cash on the doorstep).
BorrowBuddy was designed around those three questions. And because it's built for community circles, the people renting your things are often people you'll see again — at church, at school pickup or at the next community event. If you'd rather borrow than lend, start with our guide to borrowing items from neighbors.
What people rent out
Cameras and lenses
Rent out a DSLR or lens to someone shooting a wedding, graduation or family portrait session.
Tools and outdoor gear
Pressure washers, tile saws, ladders, lawn aerators and leaf blowers are in demand every spring and fall.
Camping and travel gear
Tents, coolers, roof boxes and kids' travel gear for summer road trips.
Party and event equipment
Speakers, projectors, folding tables, chafing dishes and canopies for celebrations.
Seasonal items
Snow blowers, heavy winter coats for newcomers and holiday decorations used a few weeks a year.
Simple pricing tips for first-time lenders
There's no single right price, but a few rules of thumb help. Price a little below what a store would charge for a weekend rental, if one exists. Charge more per day for items that wear out with use, such as blades, bulbs and batteries. Offer a weekend rate, because most borrowers need things from Friday evening to Sunday night. And add a deposit for anything valuable or fragile. A fair, modest price usually means more requests, more good reviews and a stronger trust score over time.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I earn renting out my stuff?
It depends on what you own, how often it's requested and the price you set. You choose your own daily or weekend price on BorrowBuddy, so you stay in control of what you earn.
Is it safe to rent out my things to strangers?
BorrowBuddy reduces the risk with ID-verified borrowers, visible trust scores, condition photos at pickup and return, and payments handled in-app rather than in cash.
Can I ask for a deposit?
Yes. You can add a deposit to any listing. It's handled in-app alongside the rental fee and released once both sides confirm the return.
What can't I rent out on BorrowBuddy?
Anything illegal, unsafe or recalled, as well as weapons and prescription items. Listings must follow BorrowBuddy's community guidelines and terms of use.
Do I have to accept every request?
No. You review each request and the borrower's profile, and you can accept, decline or suggest different dates.
Can I pause a listing when I need my item?
Yes. You control your availability, so you can pause a listing or block out dates whenever you need the item yourself.
How do I start renting out my stuff on BorrowBuddy?
BorrowBuddy is launching soon. Join the waitlist to get early access and be among the first lenders in your area.