Can I rent my RV in my backyard?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can I rent my RV in my backyard? We will discuss how much money you can make from renting out your RV (yay) and what the law says about parking a motorhome in your backyard. 

Can I rent my RV in my backyard?

Yes, you can rent your RV in your backyard and even make a profit out of it! You just have to make sure you comply with the law and do your business in a safe and responsible custom. 

First, you can park an RV in the backyard as long as you comply with the following rules forwarded by HOAs and City Councils: 

  • You owe/lease both the RV and the property/land it is parked on. 
  • If another person is parking their RV in your backyard, they are allowed to do it for a maximum of 14 days only.
  • The RV must be parked in the backyard behind a line established by the front building line farthest from the street.
  • The distance between the RV and the rear property line must be at least 10 feet. 

Some HOAs restrict homeowners from parking trailers of any type (RVs, flatbed, cattle, or camper, for example) in plain sight on the property, which is understandable. Otherwise, people could store their trailers on the curb in front of their house or in your driveway, which can be unsightly or restrict the flow of traffic. 

Parking an RVin the backyard will basically depend on the zoning laws where you live and if you are under any Home Owner’s Association regulations. It can, unfortunately, also depend on your neighbours and if they complain about your RV being parked in front of your home.

Renting your RV: a solution to cover expenses

One of the solutions to contribute to financing and costs is to rent your vehicle between individuals. The advantages of renting between individuals are beyond doubt both for the owners and for those who rent the van. 

The owners obtain extra income that allows them to amortize the expenses generated by the vehicle. In addition, they offer the opportunity to other users to experience a way of travelling in total freedom, in a flexible, different and original way.

Precautions to take if renting your RV

There are numerous web pages where it is possible to advertise motorhomes or camper vans, but there is no way to verify the identity of either the owner of the vehicle or the person who rents the vehicle. This situation can generate a problem about the quality of the vehicle, the falsity of the photos of the advertisement, and even the existence of the same.

In addition, these ad pages do not have a secure payment system, so the transaction is carried out directly between both people, without any signed agreement or proof of payment. In the event of a problem, there are no documents or evidence of the transactions carried out, which can lead to scams or scams.

Another important aspect is vehicle insurance. The owner’s vehicle insurance does not cover, in most cases, the renter of the vehicle, so this person would not be covered, nor would the vehicle, in the event of a major incident or accident.

To avoid this type of problem and rent the motorhome in complete safety, it is convenient that the rental is carried out through safe and guaranteed platforms, such as Yescapa, using this type of platform the risks are reduced and we make sure that the rental between individuals is carried out in the best possible way for both parties, owner and tenant.

What does the law say about renting an RV

If you are thinking of renting your motorhome or camper van, you will surely have some questions that come to mind, such as, “If my renter is fined, who pays?” or “do I have to file my income statement?”

In the event that the tenant is fined during the rental of your vehicle, it is the latter who must pay the amount of the fine, as well as the one who loses the points. If the tenant refuses to do so, the rental agreement and his contact details serve to prove that he was the driver at the time of the fine to the competent authorities.

Regarding the declaration of income derived from the rent, to do it within the most absolute legality, the tax obligations will depend on the purpose of the rentals you make. It is not the same to rent it on a one-time basis when someone asks for it (even if they ask for it every weekend) than to do a business out of it and make it a main source of income. In the latter case, the owner would be carrying out a motorhome rental economic activity. He would be a businessman for all intents and purposes.

The owner is responsible, in accordance with Spanish tax regulations, for declaring the taxes derived from the income obtained from the rental of his vehicle.

For more information, we recommend that you consult the provisions of the Tax Administration and contact them directly.

How much can I make from renting my RV?

The rental price really depends on the type of RV you have. This is mainly because some RVs, such as the A-Class, come with more amenities and tend to be roomier and a bit more comfortable.

Essentially, the fancier the RV  is and the more amenities it has, the higher the price can go. Honestly, though, you can still make good money by renting your RV, no matter the type or the amenities included.


Type of motorhome

Rental price (per night)

Rental price (per week)

Potential earnings (by year)
Class A$ 175- $ 275$ 1,225- $ 1,925$ 15,000- $ 30,000
Class B$ 100- $ 200$ 700- $ 1,400$ 12,000- $ 25,000
Class C $ 150- $ 200$ 1,050- $ 1,400$ 13,000- $ 27,000
Touring caravan$ 50- $ 125$ 350- $ 875$ 9,000- $ 19,000
Fifth wheel $ 60- $ 150$ 420- $ 1,050$ 11,000- $ 22,000
Pop-up caravan$ 50- $ 100$ 350- $ 700$ 6,000- $ 13,0000

I know that those higher numbers at the far end of the spectrum can be exciting, but to ensure you really get the sales you want, I recommend starting with the lowest prices first and working your way up to the highest price range. Once you gain more experience in the world of RV rental.

The bottom line

Whether you have an RV or several motorhomes, you have the potential to make money on your investment. While there are earnings to be made, don’t delay – list your camper for rent today!

Please feel free to get in contact if you have any comments or questions about the content. 

FAQ on Can I rent my RV in my backyard?

Is an RV park profitable?

Managing an RV park can be profitable. Considering how many RVs you have, the number of resistances, what extra amenities, etc., you could make up to $70000 per year. 

Do I have to pay tax if I rent out my caravan?

Yes, you will have to pay tax if you rent out your caravan. Rent money is still considered income, no matter your status. 

Can you park an RV on your private land?

You are fully entitled to park your RV on private land or in your garage if you are willing to seek prior authorization from the town hall. In addition, the municipality can add conditions such as not parking near neighbouring lots, hide the vehicle with hedges, etc.

Where can I park an RV?

An RV is perfectly entitled to park in the parking spaces along the roadway. However, its size must allow it, it must not interfere with road traffic or pedestrians. However, due to its size, the motorhome cannot park everywhere.

References 

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