A rental space is a service that rents out unused space by the hour. It is attracting growing attention as a way to address vacancies in rental properties, offering the potential for strong profitability with limited upfront costs. In this article, we explain the advantages and types of rental spaces, the steps required to open one, and practical customer acquisition measures.
What is a rental space, and why is it effective for vacancy measures?
A rental space is a service that rents out unused space on an hourly basis. A wide range of spaces can be used, including a room in an apartment or part of an office building. They are used not only for meetings and seminars, but also for parties, photography, dance practice, salons, and many other purposes.
Three advantages for owners
- You can make effective use of vacant space：It can be introduced with limited upfront costs, and hourly rentals to multiple users can offer strong profitability
- Building age has less impact：Because the space is rented by the hour, users are less concerned about the age of the building. Price, location, and service matter more
- Demand is increasing：With the spread of remote work, demand for rental offices and meeting rooms is rising rapidly
What types of rental spaces are available?
Rental spaces can be used in many ways. Here are the main types.
| Type | Features and uses |
|---|---|
| Rental meeting rooms | Meetings in an environment that differs from the usual one. Also suitable for short-term use by remote workers |
| Party rooms | Can be reserved for private use without worrying about people nearby. For larger groups, they can be more affordable than restaurants |
| Shared offices and coworking spaces | Popular with freelancers and sole proprietors. They also make it easier for new connections to develop |
| Photo studios | Photography is possible with interiors designed to match a specific theme |
| Galleries | Suitable for exhibiting works. One-day use or weekend-only use is also possible |
| Storage spaces | A temporary storage option with more flexibility than a trunk room |
| Childcare spaces | Can be attached for events or for coworking use |
| Salons | Suitable for services such as esthetics and nails. Weekend-only operations are also possible |
What preparations are needed to open a rental space?
Here is a step-by-step explanation of the process through opening.
Notifications and qualifications
No specific qualifications are required, but you do need to submit a business opening notification to the tax office and an application for approval to file blue-form tax returns. If you plan to serve food in a kitchen, you will also need a food sanitation manager and approvals from the public health center and fire department.
Four steps to opening
- Decide on the use and target audience：Clarify your target users, intended use, and sales goals
- Interior work：Carry out plumbing, electrical, soundproofing, lighting, and related work in line with the concept
- Prepare equipment and furnishings：Set up tables, chairs, Wi-Fi, projectors, and other items based on the intended use
- Establish operating procedures：Determine staffing, install security cameras, set key management methods, and create terms of use
For key management, introducing smart locks or electronic keys is recommended. They eliminate the risk of loss and can also significantly reduce management burdens.
How should you approach customer acquisition for a rental space?
Customer acquisition after opening is a key success factor. It is best to combine the following methods.
Customer acquisition channels
- Flyers and leaflet distribution：These can also reach people who do not use the internet
- Website and blog：Implementing a reservation system improves convenience
- SNS：Broad outreach without major cost. A booking path can also be built
- Portal sites：Such as スペースマーケット and インスタベース. Many use a success-fee model with no listing fee
Tips for increasing users
- Combine online and offline customer acquisition
- Post many photos that make it easy to imagine how the space can be used
- Provide detailed access directions from the nearest station with photos and a map
- Use user surveys and reviews to improve the service
What risks should you watch for when opening a rental space?
These are the risks and countermeasures you should understand before opening.
- Trouble with nearby residents：Complaints caused by noise or poor manners. Greeting neighbors in advance and putting clear terms of use in place are important
- Damage to or theft of equipment：Countermeasures include installing security cameras and keeping backups available
- Key-related problems：Issues caused by unclear storage locations or users taking keys away. Smart locks can resolve these problems
When trouble occurs, a prompt response is critical. Make sure you have a clear contact system with your management company.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. Do you need qualifications to open a rental space?
No specific qualifications are required. You only need to submit a business opening notification to the tax office and an application for approval to file blue-form tax returns. However, if you serve food, approval from the public health center is required.
Q. How much are the initial costs for opening a rental space?
If you use a vacant room as it is, the main costs will be for purchasing equipment and furnishings, so the upfront investment can be lower than renting it out for residential use. The total cost varies significantly depending on whether interior work is needed.
Q. Which customer acquisition methods are effective?
A combination of listing on portal sites such as スペースマーケット and sharing information through SNS is effective. With a success-fee portal site, you can get started while keeping costs under control.
Q. Can an older property still be used as a rental space?
Because the space is rented by the hour, users are less concerned about the age of the building. Since location, price, facilities, and service are valued more highly, even older properties can be used effectively.
