How It Works
Everything you need to know about renting and listing tools on ToolUnity
ToolUnity connects tool owners with people who need them. Owners list tools and set their own prices. Renters browse, request, and pay securely. Owners approve requests and coordinate pickup. Everyone wins.
For Renters
Browse Tools
Find tools available in your area. See photos, condition, and daily rates.
Request & Pay
Choose your rental dates and submit a request. Pay securely through Stripe. A refundable security deposit (20% of tool value, min £10) is included at checkout to protect the tool owner.
Pick Up & Use
Once approved, coordinate pickup with the owner. Use the tool for your project.
Return & Get Your Deposit Back
Return the tool in the same condition. The owner has 7 days to inspect it. If everything's fine, your deposit is automatically refunded—no action needed.
For Tool Owners
You Control Everything
Set your own daily rates. Approve or decline every rental request. You're in charge.
Earn 80%
Keep 80% of every rental. 20% covers payment processing (Stripe fees), website hosting, and platform operations.
Deposit Protection
Every rental includes a security deposit (20% of tool value, min £10, max £500). If a renter damages your tool, you have 7 days to report it and claim the deposit.
Sign Up & Verify
Create your account, verify your email, and add your bank details for payouts.
List Your Tools
Add tools with photos, descriptions, condition, and set your daily rental rate.
Approve Requests
Review rental requests. You see the renter's details and decide who rents your tools.
Get Paid
Earn 80% of every rental. We process payouts within 5 business days of each completed rental.
Simple Pricing
For Renters
Pay the daily rate set by the owner, plus a refundable security deposit (20% of tool value, min £10, max £500). No subscriptions, no hidden fees. Your deposit is automatically refunded 7 days after return if no damage is reported.
For Owners
List for free. Set your own prices. Keep 80% of every rental. 20% covers payment processing (Stripe fees), website hosting, and admin.
Damage & Protection
Who Pays If Something Breaks?
Renters are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. A security deposit (20% of tool value) is held during every rental to cover potential damage.
Owners have 7 days after the tool is returned to inspect it. If damage is found, the owner can claim the deposit. An admin reviews every claim to ensure fairness.
How the Security Deposit Works
- 1. Checkout — A refundable deposit (20% of tool value, min £10, max £500) is added to your rental payment
- 2. Held securely — The deposit is held while you have the tool
- 3. Tool returned — The owner has 7 days to inspect the tool
- 4a. No issues — Your deposit is automatically refunded after 7 days
- 4b. Damage reported — The owner files a claim, and an admin reviews it
- 5. Admin decision — If the claim is valid, the deposit is forfeited. If not, it's refunded to you
What Counts as Damage?
Normal Wear (No Charge)
- ✓ Dirt, dust, cosmetic scuffs
- ✓ Normal blade dulling
- ✓ Battery capacity loss from use
Damage (Renter Pays)
- ✗ Tool no longer functions
- ✗ Broken housing or safety features
- ✗ Water or fire damage
- ✗ Missing essential parts
Dispute Resolution
- 1. Damage reported — Owner reports damage within 7 days of return and claims the deposit
- 2. Admin review — A ToolUnity admin reviews the claim and any evidence
- 3. Decision — The admin either refunds the deposit to the renter or forfeits it to compensate the owner
- 4. Both notified — Both renter and owner receive an email with the outcome
What You Can List
✓ Allowed on ToolUnity
- ✓ DIY and hand tools
- ✓ Garden and lawn tools
- ✓ Home maintenance tools
- ✓ Non-specialist power tools
- ✓ Cleaning equipment
- ✓ Ladders and scaffolding
✗ NOT Allowed
- ✗ Firearms or weapons
- ✗ Explosives or fireworks
- ✗ Vehicles or powered transport
- ✗ Medical equipment
- ✗ Industrial machinery
- ✗ Tools requiring professional licenses
Trust & Safety
- ✓ Verified members — All members verify their email before renting
- ✓ Owner approval — Owners approve each rental request personally
- ✓ Clear pricing — Daily rates set by owners, no hidden fees
- ✓ Secure payments — All payments processed securely through Stripe
- ✓ Refundable deposits — Security deposit (20% of tool value) protects owners and is auto-refunded if no damage is reported
- ✓ Direct communication — Renters and owners coordinate directly for pickup
- ✓ Privacy first — Your details stay private until a rental is agreed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to list tools?
No. Listing is completely free. You only pay the 20% platform fee (covering Stripe, hosting, admin) when someone rents your tool.
How do I set my rental price?
You choose the daily rate. Consider the tool's condition and demand in your area. You can adjust prices anytime.
When do owners get paid?
We process payouts within 5 business days of a completed rental. Owners receive 80% of each rental.
What if a tool gets damaged?
The owner has 7 days after return to report damage and claim the security deposit. An admin reviews every claim. If the claim is valid, the deposit is forfeited to compensate the owner. If not, it's refunded to the renter.
When do I get my deposit back?
Your deposit is automatically refunded 7 days after the tool is returned, as long as the owner hasn't reported any damage. You'll receive an email when the refund is processed.
What if a tool doesn't get returned?
We investigate immediately. The renter's account is reviewed, and the owner is compensated. We handle it.
Can I remove a tool anytime?
Yes. If a tool is currently rented, that rental will complete first. No penalties for removal.
Is my personal info shared?
Your details stay private until you both agree to a rental. Then you coordinate directly for pickup/dropoff.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us at support@toolunity.co.uk