Homeowners are creating innovative ways to earn extra or seasonal income by renting their outdoor spaces for events, such as weddings, parties, classes, and getaways. Online peer-to-peer platforms have made it easier for homeowners to showcase their properties and advertise programs hosted in these spaces.
Turning your yard, pool, garden, or field into a viable venue will require planning and compliance with local regulations, but putting your outdoor space to work is a practical way to generate additional income. For some homeowners, the ability to use their outdoor space for additional income can help offset housing and maintenance costs.
Consider the following short-term rental ideas and the concerns you’ll need to address before deciding if renting your backyard is right for you.
1. Weddings, parties, and private events
Renting your yard for weddings, birthday celebrations, baby showers, dinner parties, and corporate events is a popular option for homeowners with flexible space. Your space can be transformed with lighting, chairs, tables, and tents to suit the occasion.
Keep in mind that any event on your property — small or large — will have requirements that need to be managed, such as parking, foot traffic, catering, equipment rental, power sources, bathrooms, music, permitting, and possibly security.
Offer event-planning services for an additional fee and partner with an experienced local event planner to handle planning and execution.
2. Fitness and wellness classes
Taking workouts out of the studio and into the outdoors is a simple way for instructors to change up their small-group classes and personal training sessions, especially during warm-weather months. Your yard could be the perfect setting for pilates under a canopy of shade trees, moonlight meditation, or an early-morning boot camp. Think about partnering with local yoga, fitness, or meditation instructors and offer a range of programming that can turn your backyard into a fitness hub.
3. Campsite or glampsite
Hikers, campers, and glampers are using online platforms to find off-the-beaten-path campsites that offer privacy or unique experiences. You might decide to offer a primitive spot to pitch a tent or a site with amenities, such as parking spots, electrical hookups, bathroom facilities, picnic tables, and fire pits. If you have plenty of acreage, create a campsite for vintage trailers or parked RVs. And although homeowners are grappling with the rising costs of home renovations, installing a tiny house or prefabricated cabin to appeal to glampers could be a good long-term investment.
4. By-the-hour dog park
Places for furry family members to safely let loose are popular with urban pet parents, especially if a public dog park is not an option. A backyard or other land that’s fenced and free from poisonous plants and pesticides can become a dog-friendly destination, rentable by the hour.
Depending on your space, you may want to consider using canine-friendly ground cover, such as astro turf, wood chips, or pea gravel to prevent mud pits or bare spots. Create shade, if necessary, with portable umbrellas or canopies, and include some seating so pet parents can relax. A hard, plastic kiddy pool or sprinkler will also be a welcome addition during the summer months.
5. Rent your pool or fire pit
Homeowners with pools are discovering plenty of people are interested in renting a pool for private gatherings, birthday parties, or swim lessons. Renting by the hour is easy seasonal income.
Likewise, homeowners with fire pits can offer evening rentals for groups who want to roast marshmallows, host a book club, or simply sit under the stars with friends and family. Allow guests to bring their own snacks, drinks, and games for a cozy experience.
Homeowners interested in sustainability upgrades should consider features such as solar-powered heating for pools or hot tubs or solar lighting in and around their outdoor spaces.
6. Photo shoots
Whether your home is surrounded by stunning landscaped gardens or is located in a beautiful rural setting, you may have the perfect spot for a photo shoot or filming location. Small-scale shoots, such as portrait photography, can be scheduled with several sessions in one day. Although renting your property for commercial projects can be very profitable, make sure you’re comfortable with a large crew of people setting up equipment in your rose garden for several days, or even weeks.
Other considerations
As a homeowner, making the most of your underused outdoor space is appealing, whether you’re looking for additional income in retirement or extra pocket money for discretionary spending.
Before you start advertising your outdoor space, make sure you’ve covered the logistical and legal details. Ensure you’re compliant with any local or state laws, zoning ordinances, permitting processes, safety codes, HOA rules, and insurance requirements.
Logistically, will you need to provide access to water, power, bathrooms, or parking? Are you able to accommodate guests with mobility issues? It’s a good idea to have a rental contract that outlines specific details, such as off-limit areas, whether smoking is allowed, whether animals are welcome, and what happens in case of damage.
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