Rent out your stuff: passive income from things you own

Two bikes, three chilly bins, a surfboard I haven’t touched in over a year — and a pink camo fishing kayak I only bought because it was on special. All of it just sitting there, taking up space, when I could rent out my stuff and make a bit of passive income on the side.

None of it’s broken. None of it’s junk. I just… don’t have time to use it.

And I’m not alone. I know you have gear lying around that’s barely earning its keep. But instead of flogging it off on Trade Me for peanuts, there’s another option: rent out your stuff.

Not kidding! People will pay to borrow your bike, your car, your camping gear, even your tools. It’s one of the easiest side hustles going, especially in New Zealand where sharing platforms are growing fast.

In this post, I’ll run through the best places to list your stuff, what’s worth renting out, and how to keep it all safe and hassle-free.

Let’s turn that dusty gear into passive income.

Why you (and I) should be renting out our stuff

We’ve probably both done it. Looked at something we own, realised we haven’t used it in ages, and thought, “I should really do something with that.”

But selling it? Nah. Feels like a waste. You might need it again one day, right?

That’s why I started renting out my stuff instead. It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to make a bit of extra cash without adding stress to your week.

Here’s what I’ve found makes it work:

• You stay in control. You decide what you rent, when it’s available, and who gets it. No full-time commitment. Just pop it up when you’re not using it.
• It fits around your life. I list my second car on weekdays while I work from home. You might have a bike or paddleboard you’re not using till summer.
• It helps other Kiwis too. Renting’s cheaper than buying — and let’s be honest, not everyone can drop $500 on a tool they’ll use once.
• It’s money from stuff you already own. No new skills, no upfront cost. Just cash for gear that’s been sitting idle.

And if you’re making under five grand a year from it, you might not even need to register for GST (though yeah, always check IRD to be safe — here’s the link: ird.govt.nz).

Alright — let’s get into the good stuff: which platforms actually work if you want to rent out your stuff here in NZ.

Idle gear and tools? Try these platforms to rent out your stuff

Let’s start with the stuff that’s easiest to list — tools, sports gear, camping stuff, a random pink camo kayak, and the kind of kit you only use now and then. I’ve tested a few, asked around, and here’s what’s worth checking out:

Sharehub (sharehub.co.nz)

This one’s like the Trade Me of borrowing. You can list tools, tech, sports gear — even party stuff. Great if you’ve got a solid drill set, camera gear, or a SUP board you’re not using every weekend. It’s all peer-to-peer, and they offer insurance for peace of mind.

I chucked up my partners circular saw and it got a booking within a week. Made back the cost of it in a few rentals.

LaRent (larent.co.nz)

LaRent’s a newer player, but it’s growing fast — especially for bikes, e-scooters, and niche gear like drones or GoPros. Listings are easy to set up, and they take a small cut when something rents. Perfect for stuff that’s pricey but doesn’t get used daily.

If you’ve got a slick mountain bike or even a kids’ bike sitting around — give it a go. Someone will rent it for the weekend.

Both platforms are low-hassle, local, and built for Kiwis like us who just want a bit of extra coin without the admin nightmare. Photos and honest descriptions matter, but beyond that? Pretty simple.

Next — let’s talk cars. Because if yours is sitting in the driveway all week, you might as well make it earn its keep.

Got a car sitting idle? Here’s how to rent it out

If you’ve got a car that’s mostly just parked, you’re sitting on one of the most valuable things you can rent out. Whether it’s a second vehicle, a commuter car you barely use during the week, or something you only need on weekends, you can turn it into steady side income.

Here are the two best options I’ve found in New Zealand:

MyCarYourRental — mycaryourrental.com

This is the OG peer-to-peer car rental platform in NZ. You list your car, set your availability and pricing, and MyCarYourRental sorts the rest. They cover insurance through Cove, so you’re protected if something goes wrong.

I listed my Corolla during a two-week trip and it rented out for 10 days straight. Covered my flights and then some. You’ll want to keep it tidy and make sure your rego, WOF, and servicing are up to date, but otherwise, it’s pretty hands-off.

Mevo — mevo.co.nz

Mevo’s a bit different. It’s more of a car-sharing service with its own fleet, but in some areas they let you onboard your own vehicle if it meets their criteria. They’re focused on urban areas like Wellington and Auckland and handle everything from bookings to roadside support.

If you’ve got a near-new car you don’t use full-time and you live in the right spot, it could be worth applying.

Cars tend to bring in more income than gear, but also come with a bit more responsibility. Make sure you’re tracking your earnings, checking your insurance, and following any local rules around vehicle rentals.

Next, I’ll cover one more area that flies under the radar — renting out part of your home.

Renting out your place, or have a spare room? Worth considering

Now this one’s a bit different, but if you’ve got a spare room, sleepout, or even just a place you’re not living in full-time, you’ve got options. It’s not quite the same as renting out your stuff, but it still fits the same idea — making money from things you already own.

MyRent — myrent.co.nz

This is a DIY property management platform, not a marketplace like Airbnb. But it’s great if you’re renting out a room or a property and want to stay in control without paying a property manager. You get all the tools for tenancy agreements, rent tracking, and compliance — without the hidden fees.

It’s not as passive as renting out gear, but if you’re already a homeowner or have a room to spare, this is one of the easiest legal ways to earn rental income in NZ without giving up the reins.

Short-term rental more your vibe? You could also look into hosting via Airbnb or using services like Airsorted to manage it for you — especially if you don’t want to deal with guests yourself.

What you should know before you rent out your stuff

Before you throw your stuff online, here’s what I’d make sure you’ve sorted:

• Insurance matters: Not every platform includes it, and your regular contents or car cover might not apply. Read the fine print. If you’re not sure, ask your insurer directly.
• Track your income from the start: Even if it’s just a few bookings a month, it adds up. Use a spreadsheet, a money app, or something like Sorted’s budgeting tool. And check IRD’s latest on what counts as taxable income — ird.govt.nz.
• List it properly: Good photos = more bookings. Be upfront about condition, quirks, and what’s included. Saves you grief later.
• Set a fair price: Look at what others are charging for similar stuff. If your drill is older or your bike’s got a few dings, price it accordingly. It’s better to have regular rentals than none at all.
• Decide your boundaries: Only want weekend bookings? Prefer locals only? Want to meet people before handing stuff over? That’s all fine — just be clear about it in your listing.

Let your stuff pay its own way

Most of us don’t need more stuff. We just need to make better use of what we’ve already got.

Renting out your gear, your car, even your spare room isn’t just a smart way to earn — it’s low-stress, flexible, and surprisingly satisfying. You’re helping someone out, keeping things in use, and making passive income without a massive time commitment.

Start small. List one thing. See what happens.

That old mountain bike? Someone out there would love it for the weekend. Your second car? It’s costing you money just sitting there.

So yeah — don’t overthink it. Try one platform, set your terms, and see if this little side hustle fits your life.

More ideas like this?
Check out the Earn Fast Cash section for other quick wins that don’t require a full business plan.

Already tried renting something out?
Flick me a message — I’d love to hear how it went.