Guide
How it works
Whether you're lending gear or borrowing it for the weekend, here's the journey from first photo to happy handover.
- Lister: List & price. List your item and set day and week rates.
- Borrower: Browse. Browse items nearby by postcode and price.
- Lister: Set availability. Open your calendar and wait for a request.
- Borrower: Book & pay. Choose the item, pick dates, and pay on BorrowLocal.
- Together: Connect. Chat in-app and arrange collection or delivery.
- Together: Collect. Hand over with unique secure codes.
- Lister: Peace of mind. Lister protection while your item is out.
- Borrower: Enjoy it. Use the gear for your weekend or project.
- Together: Return. Item comes back; confirm with the return code.
- Lister: Leave a review. Share how the borrow went.
- Borrower: Leave a review. Share how the borrow went.
For listers
List free, publish when you're ready
- 1
Draft your listing
Add photos, a clear description, condition, day and week rates, availability, and whether you’ll offer collection, delivery, or both.
- 2
Verify photo ID to publish
You can save a draft anytime. Your listing only goes live after photo ID is checked — so neighbours know you’re a real person.
- 3
Get booked
When someone books and pays, you’ll see the order in your dashboard. Once their photo ID is checked, chat unlocks so you can arrange the handover.
- 4
Handover with a code
At collection (or delivery), share the unique code generated by BorrowLocal. That timestamps the start of the rental.
- 5
Return, check, review
When the item comes back, confirm with the return code. You have 24 hours to report damage beyond normal wear and tear, then leave a review.
For borrowers
Browse, book, borrow
- 1
Find something nearby
Search by postcode, filter by price and availability, and check the lister’s profile, reviews, and verification badges.
- 2
Book and pay on BorrowLocal
Pick your dates and pay through the platform. All rentals must be paid on BorrowLocal — off-platform or cash payments aren’t allowed.
- 3
Photo ID before you’re connected
You can pay first; we only unlock chat with the lister after your photo ID is checked.
- 4
Chat in-app to arrange handover
Keep coordination inside the order chat — collection times, delivery details, and questions about the item. Stay in-app so both of you have a clear record.
- 5
Codes, return, reviews
Use the collection code at handover and the return code when you’re done. After the rental, leave an honest review.
A few ground rules
- Payments happen on BorrowLocal only — no cash or off-platform deals for rentals arranged here.
- Chat stays in the order thread so handovers and disputes have a clear trail.
- The 24-hour damage window after return keeps things fair for both sides.
Want the fine print? See our Terms & conditions, Marketplace Protection Terms, and Rental Agreement.