It's a nice thought but you could probably make more money quilting for others than renting your machine.

I did rent some time on a long arm several years ago. It was required to take a class prior to using it. The long arm was in a private home. Another question would be, would you be in the same area anyway or would be take a toll on your time? Would you do better at making money to help defray expenses by offering a quilting service?

the lady that owns the quilting store and does our quilting classes has a long arm..she charges $10 an hour

The only situation that I would agree to ( I think) would be to LA share & even with that, a written, precise agreement would be a necessity. That way you wouldn't have all kinds of users on your very expensive LA. As Quilte said, there are soooo many issues to consider........before taking on this issue.

I would not do it…..not only do you have the liability issue - but you have training and user issues…….far better that you take in the quilting and do it for them………otherwise, you are going to have problems with your machine that will be costly for you, and that cost you cannot pass along to your user…...

would make me nervous. Who is liable if they tare up your wonderful machine?
I would have to know them really well, like it was said before, I wouldn't want strangers coming in my home.
Lets say you only let CLOSE friends or family use it, it tares up, or you think they are to rough,... with it. Could this lead to problems between friends or family? What if they think the machine "runt" their quilt?
Liability is a MAJOR thing this days. The sadist part is the ones that sue, are usually the ones you would least expect!
If I did this, I would want a disclaimer signed.
Some friends have asked me to quilt for them, I'm not that good and I have a non-computerized ( but great machine and frame!) I won't do any except for my Mom. Made one for Church auction.
I did 1 time do a quilt for a guy my husband worked with, NEVER AGAIN! I never thought until he brought it, it was double knit! Lord what was I thinking, I went ahead and did it, but all I can say is NIGHTMARE!!!!!
Good luck with what ever you decide!

Will you homeowners insurance cover them using your facility for quilting. My homeowners will not cover customers coming to my home to leave or pick up quilts. I had to get a separate policy to cover the liability. That is one reason I would not rent out my long arm quilter.

Renting Longarm
 

This is my sentiment exactly. I have had 2 Gammills and several "friends" ask to use them. So who are your friends and how does each compensate you? Not only that, but the wear and tear, time it takes to "retime" your machine, or the costs of repair when a part gets broken is truly not worth the income.

I don't share my sewing machine, my longarm or my car, but I sure would consider a "rent-a-kid" weekend sometimes. LOL

If you are looking to make money to help pay for the machine, why not consider contacting your local community education network and offering to teach a class in long arm quilting. They assume the risks, the paperwork, all you do is teach the class, and collect your paycheck...( and no one touches your new machine.)

The crux of the matter would be that you would be starting a small business in your home, which isn't even allowed in many subdivisions. Check your deed restrictions or lease agreement. You'd have to get a license or at least register the business name, and you have to have insurance and probably some help with your taxes and legal issues, and there would probably be some unanticipated overhead, maintenance, etc. If all that doesn't stop you, why not? Maybe you'll eventually own several machines and have a storefront where people can go to use them, take lessons, etc. I'd certainly be interested in being your customer!