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Rent out storage space
Renting out a spare garage, shed or other suitable space can bring in extra income, but earnings depend on the space and its location. Stashbee offers hosting in the UK, including Northern Ireland; there is no equivalent host platform identified for the Republic of Ireland. <a href="https://stashbee.com/storage/lockup-garages" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stashbee</a> <a href="https://stashbee.com/rent-my-garage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stashbee</a>
Open the interactive guide (checklist, video, read-aloud) →In plain words
- You can rent out a safe, dry garage or shed.
- First, make sure you have permission to rent it.
- Agree what can be stored and how people can get access.
- You may earn money, but bookings are not guaranteed.
- Check the rules, costs and tax before you start.
Who it suits
Adults with a secure, dry, unused space and permission to rent it out. It may suit someone who can arrange access, check the space regularly and agree clear terms with a renter. Stashbee does not state a host age limit, so check eligibility with the platform before signing up. <a href="https://stashbee.com/storage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stashbee</a>
People pay for a convenient place to keep belongings when they need more space. A secure, dry space in a useful location may appeal to local renters, but demand and earnings vary.
Step by step
- Check you have permission to rent the space. Confirm that you own it or have permission from the owner. If other people share the property, agree access arrangements with them before advertising. About 30 minutes to 1 day.
- Choose what the space can safely hold. Decide what kinds of belongings you will accept and whether renters can reach the space without entering private areas. Clear your own belongings and make the space tidy. About 1-3 hours.
- Check the space for problems. Look for damp, leaks, pests, weak locks and other issues. Fix problems you can before inviting someone to store their possessions. About 30-60 minutes.
- Set a realistic price. Compare nearby listings and consider your space’s size, location and features. Stashbee says hosts set their own price and terms Stashbee. About 30-60 minutes.
- Create a clear listing if using Stashbee. Take clear photos and describe the space accurately, including its size, condition and access. Stashbee says listing is free and can take as little as five minutes Stashbee. About 30-60 minutes.
- Write down access rules and accepted items. State when renters can visit, how access works and what you will accept. Stashbee says renters cannot live in the space, store dangerous items or use it for anything illegal Stashbee. About 30-45 minutes.
- Talk with renters before accepting a booking. Ask what they plan to store and arrange a conversation or viewing. Make sure you are comfortable with the items and access plan before agreeing. About 15-45 minutes per renter.
- Read the booking terms before agreeing. Check payment arrangements, cancellation options and what protection is offered. Stashbee advertises standard contracts and booking protection, but check its full terms Stashbee. About 30-60 minutes.
- Keep records and check the space regularly. Record the agreed price, access arrangements and the space’s condition. Check it periodically while it is rented and keep notes of any changes or problems. About 15-30 minutes to set up; brief checks thereafter.
Your first 15 minutes
This week, inspect your spare space, make a short list of what it can safely store, and check whether you have permission to rent it out.
The money
Compare nearby spaces and set a price that reflects your location, size, condition and access. Stashbee’s estimate of £120 a month for a garage listing is based on bookings for similar nearby spaces, not guaranteed earnings; it says it deducts a 5% Host fee <a href="https://stashbee.com/rent-my-garage" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Stashbee</a>.
Example only: UK, one £100 booking − £5 Stashbee Host fee (5%) − £10 assumed other costs = £85 before tax. Republic of Ireland, hypothetical private arrangement: €100 received − €10 assumed other costs = €90 before tax; no equivalent host platform is identified there.
The rules
There isn't enough information here to say whether renting out storage space is lawful or what property permissions apply. Check that you have permission to make the space available, and look into property, insurance and tax matters. Stashbee describes a UK service that includes Northern Ireland. No equivalent host guidance or host platform for the Republic of Ireland is identified here Stashbee.
UK and Northern Ireland
- Permission and property. Check that you own the space or have permission to rent it out. Agree access with anyone else who shares the property. Check your insurance. If you're unsure about local requirements, ask your local council or a suitable adviser.
- Tax. Ask HMRC whether your receipts count as property or trading income. If the trading allowance applies, the first £1,000 a year of trading income is tax-free. Above that, tell HMRC GOV.UK. The £1,000 is gross income before expenses Tax Help for Hustles. If you need to register for Self Assessment, the deadline is 5 October after the end of the tax year GOV.UK.
- Platform and age. Stashbee says it serves the UK, including Northern Ireland. It deducts a 5% Host fee from bookings. Check its current terms before listing Stashbee Stashbee. Stashbee doesn't state a host age limit on its pages. Check your eligibility with the platform before signing up Stashbee.
- Licence and insurance. No general storage-host licence or host insurance requirements are identified. Check with your local council and insurer before making the space available.
- Renter information. If you keep customer details only for your own accounts and transaction records, you're likely to be exempt. This doesn't cover information processed by or obtained from credit reference agencies. Use the ICO self-assessment tool to check whether you need to pay a data protection fee. Other processing activities may affect the result ICO.
Ireland
- Permission and property. Check that you own the space or have permission to rent it out. Agree access with anyone else who shares the property. Check your insurance. If you're unsure about local requirements, ask your local authority or a suitable adviser.
- Income tax. If you work under PAYE, register for self-assessment using Form 11 if your taxable non-PAYE income is over €5,000 or your gross non-PAYE income is over €30,000. If your income is below that, declare it on Form 12 through myAccount. Check how the rules apply to your income Revenue. If you're treated as self-employed, you pay income tax, PRSI (Class S) and USC under self-assessment. Preliminary tax is due by 31 October Citizens Information.
- Platform and age. Stashbee's pages don't give host guidance, fees or eligibility rules for the Republic of Ireland. U Store It and Elephant Storage are storage providers for customers, not platforms for renting out your own space Stashbee U Store It Elephant Storage. The pages don't state a host age limit. Check your eligibility with any platform you use.
- Licence and insurance. No general storage-host licence or host insurance requirements are identified. Check with your local authority and insurer before making the space available.
Checked against official sources: 22 October 2026. Not yet reviewed by a qualified tax or legal adviser. General guidance, not legal advice. Check the official link beside each point before you start.
Common mistakes
- Advertising before confirming you have permission to rent the space.
- Not checking for damp, leaks, pests or weak locks before accepting belongings.
- Leaving accepted items, access times or renter responsibilities unclear.
- Treating an estimate or booking as guaranteed income, or forgetting platform fees and other costs.
- Agreeing before reading the booking terms or checking your insurance.
AI-made demonstration: this module has a 20-second street-chat video in the interactive guide. The presenter and the people in it are computer-generated, not real people.