Top 13 Profitable Rental Business Ideas for 2026 That Deliver Real ROI

1. Drone Rental Business

A drone rental business offers the chance to rent top-notch drones for different purposes, including aerial photography, videography, surveying, inspection, and more. The US drone services market is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36.78% annually from 2026 to 2034. So, if you have started with a foolproof startup business model for drone rental, you can reap these market benefits.

Also, it enables individuals and companies to use advanced drone technology. That too, without a considerable upfront investment in purchasing the equipment. For your better knowledge, listing the places where Drones are used;

• AI‑assisted inspections with real-time anomaly detection
• In Agriculture, the autonomous crop monitoring with predictive analytics
• Delivery of lightweight last‑mile package transport
• Filming & for cinematic shoots in weddings
• For the Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS-enabled) search operations
• Immersive aerial footage for live events

Target buyer for a Drone Rental Business

• Construction, energy & telecom firms needing AI-enhanced inspection data
• Agritech operators leveraging predictive crop insights
• E-commerce, healthcare & food businesses piloting delivery drone tests
• Film/video producers requiring LiDAR shortcuts and cinematic aerials
• Gov/public safety agencies deploying BVLOS search & rescue or traffic surveillance.

How do Drone Rental Businesses Make Revenue?

• Tiered Rental Structure:

  Various hobbyists hire a drone on an hourly basis for events and a B2B subscription model. It is usually rented at higher rates, particularly for the AI capabilities or extended BVLOS compliance.

• Additional Services:

  With upselling the AI, its inspection packages (e.g., thermal anomaly reports), remote‑piloting/BVLOS operations, and LiDAR/topographic mapping turnkey deliverables.

• Accessories Sales:

  Including the AI‑ready sensors, ND filters, docking stations for unattended BVLOS operations – plus annual software update plans.

• Maintenance & Repair Services:

  You can offer predictive maintenance powered by LLM analytics (e.g., usage + sensor log analysis), plus compliance documentation (e.g., UTM/FAA reports).

• Subscription fee:

  Charging the subscription fee makes you offer enterprise subscriptions for monthly drone fleet access, UTM integration, and data analytics dashboards. So, the priority support for corporate or municipal clients will be covered.

2. Storage Rentals

As there is an increase in housing costs, remote work opportunities, and urban downsizing, the self-storage rentals continue to be most profitable. It has emerged as a good rental business idea globally. You can consider the self-storage solutions as a quick pick for your business.

Moreover, entrepreneurs can tap into this growing industry smoothly. With offering flexible storage unit sizes (from climate-controlled mini lockers to large warehouse spaces). So, the modern digital features include app-based access, contactless rentals, and real-time availability tracking.

Target Buyer of Storage Rentals Business

• The primary audience is the urban dwellers and renters in compact apartments with limited space.
• Remote workers staying for a small duration also rent a space with storage for personal items.
• The college students need the semester break storage, such as portable storage containers.
• Small eCommerce brands using units for inventory or fulfillment
• Construction firms and contractors store the tools and materials off-site

Monetization Opportunities in Storage Rental

• Recurring Rental Fees:

  You will be charging for the weekly, monthly, or annual plans for the storage rental business. So, it is a recurring flow of revenue.

• Add-on Services:

  Another way to provide the insurance, packaging materials, smart locks, packing, and even AI-powered inventory tracking. So, it delivers the premium storage options, like climate-controlled units and 24/7 secure access.

3. ATV(All-Terrain Vehicles) Rentals

Do you know? The global ATV market is expected to reach $5.2 billion by 2027, driven by recreational demand and rural utility usage. Renting ATVs is an excellent niche. Moreover, these ATVs are available to the regions with trails, ranches, forests, or outdoor parks for adventure ride rentals.

Well, there are the types of rentable ATVs, including the utility, sport, touring, and you models. Businesses can even extend their offering to dirt bikes or even UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles).

Target Audience of ATV Rental Startup Business

• The outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers enjoy exploring off-road terrain.
• Farmers and landowners who require a versatile vehicle for various agricultural and land management tasks
• Tourists with groups and families who are looking for a thrilling recreational activity to enjoy together

How do ATV Rentals Make Money?

• Rental fees:

  The rental fees for ATV rentals are charged based on the hourly rate or for a day

• Accessory sales:

  It offers additional equipment and gear, such as helmets, goggles, and protective clothing. So, Customers can purchase or rent the accessory.

• Tour packages:

  At a higher price point, you can provide guided ATV tours, it includes transportation, trail access, and other amenities.

• Maintenance and repair services:

  By providing maintenance and repair services for ATVs, you can generate a continuous income source.

4. Party Rental Business

The party rental market is quite a popular and trending rental business idea. Recent data has projected that it will exceed $37.5 billion by 2030. This figure suggests the long-term scalability for party rental business ideas.

As the demand for DIY parties, Instagrammable setups, and corporate retreats is at an all-time high, this is a great business idea for startups. Moreover, you can focus on a specific niche: luxury wedding setups, birthday inflatables, rustic decor, or corporate lounge furniture, to reduce competition and boost margins.

Target Buyer for Party Rental Business

• The millennials who are planning a wedding or a baby shower parties
• Corporate celebration, off-site events, and retreats
• Parents/Individuals hosting birthday parties and any school events
• The B2B partners, like Instagram Influencers and event planners

How do Party Rental Businesses Make Money?

The revenue model for a party rental services business revolves around the following;

• Rental Fees:

  A common source of income is the rental charges on the specialized party equipment.

• Delivery & Setup Fees:

  You can offer delivery and setup services for the rented equipment, generating additional revenue.

• Add-on Services:

  For an additional fee, you can provide eco-friendly disposable products, themed kits, or other value-added services.

5. Power Tool Rentals

Power tool rentals are famous and useful among industries such as construction, landscaping, and DIY projects. The worldwide tool rental market is expected to progress at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2026 to 2033. Well, the major reason for this boost in the rental market is its affordability and flexibility of renting over buying. Therefore, the tools include drills, saws, jackhammers, nail guns, pressure washers, and tile cutters. So, it caters to both DIYers and commercial contractors for multiple uses.

Target Buyer for a Power Tool Rental Business

• Those who are having home renovation projects, repairs, or occasional tasks. So, they will rent such tools.
• As a small business, you might consider focusing on local contractors, handymen, and builders. They regularly need different types of power tools for their projects.
• The companies involved in maintenance, landscaping, or facility management

How do Power Tool Businesses Make Money?

• Rental fees:

  Obviously, you will charge rental fees for each power tool daily, weekly, or monthly.

• Delivery and pickup fees:

  You can offer delivery and pickup services for an additional cost.

• Sales of consumables and accessories:

  The direct selling of consumable items like sandpaper, blades, and other tool accessories is an ideal way.

• Maintenance and repair services:

  Your rental business can even provide maintenance and repair services for power tools. So, it generates the daily income for your rental businesses.

6. Clothing Rental Business (Sustainable + Smart)

The clothing rental market across the world has grown, fueled by growing sustainability awareness and demand for occasional-wear rentals. Making your business boom in the competitive market of clothing rental might feel overwhelming. So you can tap into trending and evergreen niches like maternity wear, vintage fashion, cultural attire, wedding gowns, and occasion-specific wardrobes.

Targeted Audience Base for a Clothing Rental Business

• The fashion-forward Gen Z & Millennials (who probably want fresh looks for special occasions)
• Instagram & social media influencers, wedding guests, or prom-goers
• Cosplayers, performers, and themed event attendees

How do Clothing Rental Businesses Make Money?

• Rental fees:

  You can charge users for a variety of garment categories, such as grand garments for special occasions, costumes for events or parties, and formal clothing. So, the quirky costumes, dry cleaning, and late-return charges open a better scope for you to make money in the clothing rental business.

• Accessory rental services:

  You can also change for additional accessories, including watches, jewelry, glasses, belts, etc.

7. Canoes and Kayaks Rentals

Establishing a canoe and kayak rental business is rare but highly profitable. The cherry on the cake is that you can start with relatively low initial investment requirements. Water babies and water adventurers prefer to rent canoes and kayaks. It is the most demanding water activity and can be cost-effective for exploring nearby waterways.

So, you can enter the market by renting, which also presents a lucrative business opportunity. However, before venturing into this field, obtaining all the required permits, licenses, and insurance. It is essential to ensure future safety and compliance for a longer time.

Target Buyer for Canoe & Kayak Rental Business

• The outdoor enthusiasts and water adventurers are looking to enjoy water-based activities without the commitment of boat ownership.
• Seasonal tourists seeking recreational water experiences during their travels
• Some event planners organize team-building activities, group outings, or special occasions on the water.

How do Canoe & Kayak Rental Businesses Make Money?

• Rental Fees:

  You can charge customers for using canoes, kayaks, or yachts on an hourly, daily, or weekly basis.

• Guided Tours:

  You can offer guided water tours or excursions as premium experiences for an additional fee.

• Selling Accessories:

  As a canoe and kayak rental business, you can sell related accessories as well. Some of the popular accessories are: paddles, safety equipment, or merchandise. Hence, it will complement the rental experience.

8. Furniture Rental Business

The furniture rental market is a widely spread business type with diverse demand. You know, the global furniture rental market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2026 to 2033. It is driven by rising mobility, short-term housing trends, and the shift to hybrid workspaces.

So, it is the ideal business for entrepreneurs looking to cater to students, professionals relocating, or businesses seeking flexible office setups. Here’s the brief of the targeted audience for this business type.

Target Audience for Furniture Rental Business

• Students and aspirants moving into flats/hostels for their degree courses who need temporary furniture for a short span.
• The corporate employees who are relocating to new places for contract projects.
• Even startups & coworking offices that need flexible, scalable, and durable furnishing solutions
• Interior designers and home stagers who need the aesthetic furniture for client shoots

How do Furniture Rental Businesses Generate Revenue?

• Rental Fees:

  Again, the common rental fees. As a business, you will charge customers for the temporary use of furniture pieces, such as sofas, tables, chairs, and beds.

• Delivery & Installation Fees:

  You can offer additional services for the delivery and installation of rented furniture. Thus, it generates an extra revenue source.

• Add-ons:

  By providing personalized furniture packages or add-on services for a fee to cater to specific customer preferences.

9. Rental Property Business

Well, the property rental business is the most ancient type and a high-earning idea. From house renting to property renting, the business can be a money-making business idea. So, driven by booming demand for affordable and flexible accommodation, it has enhanced the overall impact on the property rental marketplace.

In addition to that, instead of long-term rentals, Airbnb-style short stays. Aside from that, other options like eco-lodges, glamping pods, or event venue spaces are also good picks. So, you can get the digitized bookings, automate check-ins, and offer premium add-ons to have better returns.

Key Customers for a Rental Property Business

• Travelers and tourists need short-term rentals such as apartments, villas, vacation homes, or cabins.
• Remote workers prefer longer and more comfortable stays with work-friendly amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and desk setups.
• Various corporations & startups are searching for commercial space or temporary accommodation.

How do Rental Property Businesses Earn Money?

• Rental fees:

  You can charge rental fees (daily, weekly, or monthly) for different property categories.

• Platform fees:

  Earning revenue through transaction fees, subscription models, or other monetization strategies can be a good source as well.

• Additional services:

  Offer value-added services such as property management, cleaning, maintenance, or event planning, etc. Thus, it can create additional revenue streams and benefit you as a rental business startup.

10. Equipment Rental Business

Next up is the equipment rental business, which offers equipment to customers on a rental basis. From shifting to a leasing model, the heavy equipment is mainly rented by companies. So, the tools, ranging from construction equipment to AV gear, renting this equipment is common.

As a business, you can start small by renting out generators, medical devices, or lighting systems for weddings. Accordingly, it will let you take advantage of the demand for heavy machinery, commercial HVAC, etc.

Target Buyer For Equipment Rental Business

• For the contractors & construction firms who need short-term access to expensive tools or heavy machinery. It is mainly for site-based projects.
• The event planners & production agencies require the AV gear, lighting, or staging for concerts, weddings, and corporate expos.
• Well, the facility managers and schools need temporary access to big cleaning machines, lifts, or safety tools.
• Even the healthcare providers or clinics are looking to rent diagnostic machines or mobility tools without the cost of buying.

How do Equipment Rental Businesses Make Money?

• Rental fees:

  The most common way is charging daily, weekly, or project-based rental fees based on usage hours or machine type.

• Delivery and setup fees:

  You can add delivery, installation, and removal costs. This will depend on the equipment.

• Damage waiver fees:

  You can make income through equipment protection plans, damage waivers, and deposits for high-ticket items

• Sign corporate retainers:

  You can also connect with companies that require monthly access to tools or machines.

11. Dumpster Rental Business

With increasing focus on eco-friendly cleanups and sustainable construction, the dumpster rental business is more relevant than ever. As the entrepreneurs can tap into both residential and commercial waste needs. Moreover, it will offer digital scheduling, real-time tracking, and green disposal partnerships. You can even make it with the start of a truck rental business.

Key Customers of Dumpster Rental Services

• Homeowners are undergoing renovations or decluttering large spaces during moves or estate cleanouts.
• The contractors and construction firms manage waste at job sites.
• The commercial property managers and some of the retail chains. As they organize the periodic cleanouts
• Also, the event organizers host festivals, expos, or large gatherings. So, it requires temporary on-site waste management.

Revenue Sources of Dumpster Rental Businesses

The dumpster rental business allows you to charge clients on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

• Dumpster Rental Fees:

  You can charge clients a daily, weekly, or monthly rate for using the dumpsters.

• Disposal Fees:

  This is the additional income source that includes the disposal and recycling charges. So, you can earn a margin from tipping fees.

• Specialized Services:

  By providing consultation services for large cleanout planning or waste sorting, you can make better earnings.

12. Event Venue Rental Business

Event venue rentals are in high demand, especially for micro-weddings, hybrid conferences, and influencer events. Nowadays, the event venues business can excel, especially for Gen Z, as it can offer flexible layouts, built-in A/V systems, and virtual event options. Moreover, it is becoming the standard listing on platforms like Peerspace and Splacer. Also, you can make a custom website to help maximize bookings.

Target buyer for an Event Venue Rental Business

• For the corporate clients hosting product launches, workshops, and networking mixers that need flexible layouts and connectivity.
• The couples or families who are planning weddings, anniversaries, or milestone celebrations with customizable decor options.
• There are community groups, artists, and educators who are in need of space to run classes, performances, or spiritual gatherings.
• Also, the agencies and influencers need pop-up locations or Instagram-worthy backdrops for content creation.

How does Event Venue Rental Make Money?

• Venue Rental Fees:

  The primary source of income is the rental fees charged for using the event spaces. However, it can vary based on factors like peak season.

• Additional services:

  For charging the complementary services, such as event planning, catering, bartending, equipment rentals, and audio-visual support. Therefore, you can provide additional revenue streams.

• Subscription fees:

  Some event venue rental businesses may offer membership or subscription programs. Thus, the clients pay a recurring payment to access exclusive event spaces.

13. Car Rental Business

Having your car rental business will connect you with vast local audiences and diverse markets. That’s probably the main reason why car rental businesses are expanding globally. The latest data also weighs this fact. The car rental business is expected to grow significantly, reaching approximately $347.2 billion by 2032.

Additionally, the major driving components are rapid urbanization, increasing tourism, and, most importantly, the adoption of EVs. You can make it with a peer-to-peer model and app-based rental platforms.

You can offer hourly, daily, or long-term rentals. Expanding into niche categories such as luxury cars, ride-hailing driver rentals, or Turo-style platforms for car rental. If you’re looking to enter this industry, you can start a Car Rental Business with core planning and the right picks.

Target Buyer for a Car Rental Startup Business

• Tourists explore flexible mobility without using taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• The business professionals in new cities need a reliable short-term vehicle.
• The car owners whose vehicles are in repair or unavailable need temporary replacements.
• Rent to the ridesharing platforms like Uber and Lyft drivers or even delivery partners.

How do Car Rental Startup Businesses Make Money?

• Rental Fees:

  You can charge customers daily or weekly rental fees for the use of the cars.

• Ancillary Fees:

  Acquiring the extra revenue stream, such as fees like late returns, fuel refill charges, and one-way rentals.

• Vehicle Resale:

  There are rental companies that eventually sell off their fleet of vehicles. Majorly with making a better margin.