Moving to a new city? Great. It’s going to be a great experience. But are you on the fence because you’re unsure of how long you will stay there? Not to worry, because this blog has got you covered.
Do you know you can now rent almost everything? From furniture to electric appliances to water purifiers? Rentals usually work with a nominal refundable security deposit and a monthly fee, which covers your delivery, installation and maintenance.
Read this detailed guide to know and understand what you can rent, what the rental typically covers, what maintenance looks like and how you can return your device if you decide to move.
Why rent instead of buy?
- Renting isn’t always cheaper if you stay in one place for years, but it works out far more affordable for a short stay.
- Nowadays, people prefer to rent rather than invest in a piece of furniture or an appliance because of low upfront costs, free maintenance, easy relocation, flexibility and rising appliance prices.
- Let’s break down each reason:
- Low upfront cost: An AC or a refrigerator usually costs around ₹30,000-40,000. This does not include annual maintenance. If you know you’re not staying put for long, you can always rent your appliance for an upfront cost of around ₹1,000 which is refundable in most cases. Depending on your device, you then have to pay a monthly rental. The rental includes maintenance as well.
- Free maintenance: If one of your own appliances stops working or needs a technician’s intervention, you need to either call an electrician or the company’s technician. This usually costs a lot. If the appliance is rented, your device is your rental company’s headache and not yours. All you have to do is raise a service request and the rest, the company does the job.
- Easy to move: If you’re staying in a city for a short period of time, or if you’re one of those people who move frequently, then you don’t have to sell your device. You can either request relocation or simply return the product for free.
- Flexibility: Imagine this situation. Your summers are extremely hot, which warrants an AC. But you don’t need an AC for the rest of the year. You can easily rent an AC or a cooler for just three months and return the product once you don’t need it.
- Increase in appliance prices: Many electric appliance makers have announced an increase in prices due to rising metal costs and a weaker rupee. Renting makes this easy on your pocket.
What you can rent for your home?
| Category | What you can rent | Keywords to search |
| Electrical/home appliances | AC, cooler, refrigerator, washing machine, TV, inverter, vacuum cleaner, geyser, microwave, heater | Appliance rental |
| Furniture | Bed, mattress, sofa, dining table, wardrobe, storage container | Furniture on rent |
| Electronics, work-from-home equipment | Office chair, study table, laptop, desktop, monitor, printer, gaming console | Rent electronics |
| Medical equipment for home care | Hospital bed, BiPAP & CPAP machine, wheelchair, walker | Medical equipment on rent near me |
| Fitness equipment | Treadmill, cycle, cross trainer, other gym equipment | Rent gym equipment |
| Baby and kids | Pram, stroller, crib, car seat | Stroller rental |
| Water purifier | RO, UV, copper water purifiers | Water purifier on rent |
Some of the most rented appliances in India are ACs, coolers, refrigerators, laptops, water purifiers.
How renting works: deposit, lock-in, delivery and maintenance
Most home rentals in India follow the same thumb rule. There is a refundable deposit, followed by a lock-in period. Here’s an example of a water purifier on rent. DrinkPrime offers a range of water purifiers on rent. The products are copper, alkaline, mineral+, under-the-sink and UV.
Monthly subscription plan: DrinkPrime’s monthly subscription starts at ₹349/month. Once your product is delivered, you pay a monthly rental that depends on your product and the litres you subscribe to.
Refundable security deposit: DrinkPrime charges a ₹1,500 deposit for its Copper, Mineral+, Alkaline and UV purifiers, and ₹1,999 for the Under the Sink model. This security deposit is refunded upon return of the device.
Lock-in period: This is the minimum period you agree to rent for. DrinkPrime has a 3-month lock-in period for all its products and plans. Once your lock-in period ends, you can return the device if you wish to end the subscription.
Delivery and installation: DrinkPrime’s monthly rental covers delivery and installation.
Maintenance, repairs and relocation: DrinkPrime’s monthly rental includes free maintenance and relocation services, if you want to move. If there is an issue with your water purifier, you can raise a service request on the DrinkPrime app, and a technician will visit you at your convenience with zero extra fee. DrinkPrime’s technicians also replace filters if needed.
What do you need to ask before renting any device?
First-time renters often have a lot of questions about the whole process. Renting can feel unfamiliar the first time, so here’s a checklist to run through before you commit.
- What is the total rental cost, including GST?
- Does the rental include free service?
- What is the lock-in?
- What does early closure cost you?
- Is delivery, installation and relocation/pick-up included?
- Who pays if the device breaks?
- How fast is your product fixed?
- How do you raise a request or reach a technician?
- Is relocation to a new city or area possible?
- Is an upgrade possible?
Rent vs buy
Here is a comparison to understand the key differences between renting an appliance and buying one.
| Factor | Renting | Buying |
| Upfront cost | Low. The cost is usually non-refundable | High. The full price is paid at once |
| Monthly cost | Fixed rent; maintenance is usually included | No monthly cost, unless bought on EMI |
| Long-term cost | Can add up if you rent the device for a long time | Cheaper in the long run |
| Maintenance and repairs | Free maintenance and repairs | Once the warranty ends, you are responsible for it |
| Flexibility | Upgrade or return if you need to | Resale if you need a different product |
| Relocation | Monthly rental usually covers relocation | Costly and risky to move heavy products |
| Ownership | The company owns the product, you don’t | Yours to keep |
| Lock-in | Minimum period applies; early exit may be chargeable | None |
| Depreciation | Company bears it | Resale value drops fast on electronics and furniture |
| Condition of the product | May be refurbished or previously used | Brand new |
| Best for | Short stays, frequent movers, students, first jobs, trial before buying | Long-term homes, heavy daily use, people who want full ownership |
Other factors to keep in mind
Who should rent (and who shouldn’t)?
Renting an appliance or a piece of furniture is best for people who know they are in a city for a short period of time. It’s also ideal for people who move frequently, students who cannot afford a heavy upfront cost and annual maintenance, working professionals who don’t need a high-end product, couples setting up their first home, people who are in a transferable job or those who stay in rented homes.
Renting may not be ideal for those who want ownership of their product and who can afford to pay a high upfront cost.
Cost breakdown: what does renting actually cost?
The simple way to compare is to add up everything you’d pay over the time you’ll actually use the item.
Cost of buying = purchase price + servicing and repairs − what you’d get when you sell it
Cost of renting = monthly rent × months used (the deposit comes back)
A working example: A refrigerator that costs ₹30,000 to buy, needs about ₹2,000 a year in servicing, and resells for [₹4,000] after two years. Renting costs around ₹500/month.
Over 12 months, renting costs ₹6,000 and buying costs around ₹32,000.
How to choose a rental provider?
Choosing a rental company can be tricky if you haven’t rented anything before. It’s checklist time again. Keep this list with you if you’re planning to rent a product.
- Check if they are available in your city and your area
- Compare the full monthly rental
- Check what products you want to rent and what the provider offers
- Check what the lock-in period is and what it costs if you close it before the period ends
- Check if the rental includes delivery, installation, maintenance and relocation
- Read the terms and conditions
- Check if there are any hidden charges
- Compare costs: renting vs buying the same product
Renting a water purifier for your home? DrinkPrime is here
If you’re setting up a new home in a new city, here’s one product you can tick off your list. DrinkPrime’s water purifiers will make your drinking water safe, pure and healthy. Rental starts at ₹349/month, which includes delivery, installation and maintenance. DrinkPrime also offers free filter replacement if your filter is in need of one. You can recharge hassle-free through the DrinkPrime app, where you can also track your water usage and filter health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it cheaper to rent or buy appliances in India?
It depends on how long you’ll use the item. For a short stay or a seasonal need, renting usually costs less overall. For something you’ll use for many years, buying works out cheaper. Add up the total cost over your actual usage period to compare.
2. Is the security deposit refundable?
Usually yes. It is returned when you give back the device, as per the provider’s terms. DrinkPrime’s deposit is ₹1,500 for Copper, Mineral+, Alkaline and UV purifiers, and ₹1,999 for the Under the Sink model.
3. What is a lock-in period?
It’s the minimum time you agree to rent for. DrinkPrime’s lock-in is 3 months. After that, you can return the device and end the subscription.
4. Can I return a rented product before the lock-in ends?
Often yes, but early closure may be charged
5. Who pays if a rented appliance breaks down?
With most rentals, the provider handles repairs as part of the monthly fee. You raise a service request, and a technician visits.
6. Are delivery and installation included in the rent?
Often yes. With DrinkPrime, the monthly rental covers delivery and installation.
7. Can I shift a rented appliance if I move to another house or city?
Many providers allow relocation. DrinkPrime’s rental includes relocation services.
8. Are rented products new or refurbished?
It varies by provider and category. Ask before you commit, and check the condition at delivery.
9. Does the rent include GST?
Ask for the total monthly cost including GST, so there are no surprises.
10. Can I buy the product after renting, or upgrade to a newer model?
Policies differ widely. You can upgrade for free at DrinkPrime. Monthly rentals can change if you upgrade to a higher product.
11. How much does it cost to rent a water purifier?
DrinkPrime’s rental starts at ₹349/month, including delivery, installation and maintenance.
12. Is renting worth it for students or first-time job holders?
Often yes, since low upfront costs and no maintenance bills suit people who move often or are on a tight budget.
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