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How to rent out equipment and track returns

Web Updated Aug 2026

Hiring items out — tools, equipment, gear — doesn’t fit a normal sale, and most POS software can’t do it. RushFlow’s Rentals handle the whole cycle: rent an item out for a period, take a refundable deposit, flag overdue returns, and bill by the actual duration when the item comes back.

Step by step

  1. Create a rental agreementWeb: Rentals → New. Choose the customer and item, the rate type (daily / weekly / monthly) and rate, the deposit, and the start and expected-return dates. The item is now Out.
  2. Watch for overdueThe Overdue toggle flags items still out past their expected return, so late kit is chased, not forgotten.
  3. Check the item back inOn Return, RushFlow recomputes the charge from the real duration and settles the deposit — refund it, or forfeit it (e.g. for damage).

How the money is handled

The deposit is recorded as a refundable deposit (a liability), not income — so it never inflates your revenue. The rental charge is recognised as rental income when the item returns; the deposit is then refunded or forfeited. Because the item comes back, a rental does not relieve inventory as a sale would.

All rental accounting posts to your books when automatic journals are enabled, and reverses cleanly on cancel.

Frequently asked questions

Can RushFlow handle rentals or equipment hire?

Yes. You rent an item out for a period with a refundable deposit, flag overdue returns, and bill by actual duration on return — refunding or forfeiting the deposit.

Is the rental deposit treated as income?

No. It’s recorded as a refundable deposit (a liability). It’s only refunded or forfeited on return; the rental charge is the income.

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