Tips for renting equipment

Call your local American Rental Association rental store and describe the project you would like to complete with rented equipment. When rental store personnel know the details of your project, they can recommend exactly the type and size of equipment you'll need for most lawn and garden and home improvement or repair projects. They also will help you organize the additional supplies you'll need to complete the job correctly. Many rental stores carry all the extras, such as sandpaper or detergent for example, to do a professional job.

Before you actually go to the rental store, organize the work area so you can use the equipment right away when you bring it home. For example, if you're shampooing a carpet, remove furniture from the room before you pick up the shampooer. This preparation can save you money because the rental center charges for the time the equipment is in your possession - not for the time you actually spend using it.

When you pick up the equipment, the rental store employee will explain how to use it safely and correctly. If you don't understand the instructions or feel uncomfortable about operating the equipment, ask for more information.

Make sure you understand the rental store's rates, store hours and policy for returns. Depending on the rental store, you may be able to rent equipment by the hour, half day, day, week or month. Generally, hourly rates have a set minimum time that is less expensive than renting for the entire day.

Make sure you understand your responsibility for the equipment. Generally, the rental store is responsible for equipment maintenance and will replace equipment that breaks down during normal use. But when damage occurs because of a customer's negligence or misuse, he or she is responsible for repair or replacement. For expensive equipment in your possession, construction equipment and tents are examples, you may need to provide on-site security or purchase temporary insurance.