Yes, You Can Rent Out Your Backyard

Ideas for Using Your Outdoor Space

Backyard campsite. New sites like Hipcamp (which helped organize free camping space for evacuees from the Northern California wildfires last year) and Tentrr offer services similar to Airbnb and other short-term rental sites, but for land. So if you have a spacious yard — or even acreage — that would make a picturesque campsite, listing it as a private campsite could earn you some extra cash.

Donate space for fundraising events. If you’re not interested in renting out your backyard for money, perhaps you would like to offer your space as a free venue for an event for a charitable organization that is close to your heart. When a nonprofit organization can secure an event venue for free, that means a much higher percentage of the money raised at the event can go directly to the work they do.

To see if this might be an option for your outdoor space, contact the local chapter of an organization you would like to get involved with and ask about their needs. Alternatively, you might consider hosting your own fundraising dinners and contribute the money raised to the cause of your choice.

Photo shoot location. If you have beautiful formal gardens, an idyllic rural setting or another wow-worthy, photogenic feature on your property, your outdoor space might be desirable as a location for photographers — or even for TV or film shoots. You should know that photo shoots for catalogs and advertising will involve a crew of people and lots of equipment; film shoots for TV or movies can wreak even more havoc.

The upside? Not only are these gigs typically quite lucrative, but your home’s landscape will be memorialized in a fancy ad campaign, commercial, or film.

Read about one woman’s experience renting her home for photo shoots

Bathrooms. Whether you are hosting a wedding or a few campers, access to a bathroom is essential. Will you allow access to your house bathroom, or will you need to add portable restrooms?

Water. Overnight guests will need access to fresh water for drinking, and event caterers may need access to water for cooking or cleaning up.

Parking. Be clear about how many parking spaces you have available for guests.

Amenities. Extras like use of a generator or access to electrical outlets, outdoor fire pit, hot tub, barbecue area or outdoor kitchen can make your property more attractive to potential guests.

Local zoning and taxing rules. If you are accepting payment for renting out your yard, that may make your property officially a business. Depending on your location, there may be a cap on the number of days per year you can rent your space.

Permitting. If you will be hosting events on your property, you may need to apply for special-event permits or parking permits in advance.

Homeowners association regulations. If your home is part of a homeowners association, you’ll also need to check the HOA rules and regulations before hosting campers or holding an event.

Insurance coverage. Will your homeowner’s insurance cover paying guests, or do you need additional coverage? You’ll also need to find out if there is a limit on the number of days per year it is rented, and whether you need to notify your insurance company in advance in order for the coverage to apply. Some hosting companies like Airbnb may provide insurance coverage for hosts, but it’s still essential that you take the time to read the policy carefully before committing. If you’re not sure, ask — and always get the policy in writing.

Neighbors. Be considerate and approach your neighbors before opening up your property to renters. Share what steps you are taking to ensure things go smoothly, and listen to their concerns.

Wear and tear on your yard. You know that beautiful lawn you’ve been babying? Imagine what it will look like after a group of campers have set up tents on it for a night or two — or after a wedding! If you are concerned about wear and tear but still want to proceed, think about spacing guest stays far enough apart to allow your yard some recovery time.