Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about renting and lending on Nearby. For a step-by-step guide, see how Nearby works.

About Nearby

What is Nearby?: Nearby is a peer-to-peer rental marketplace in Dublin, Ireland. You can rent everyday items such as drills, tents, cameras and party gear from people near you, or lend out things you own and earn from them.
Which areas does Nearby cover?: Nearby is in Dublin and the surrounding area only for now. Every listing shows the Dublin area the item is in, and the exact pickup address is shared only after a booking is confirmed.
How does renting on Nearby work?: Find an item, request your dates, and pay through Stripe once the lender accepts. Then collect the item from your neighbour, use it, and return it on the agreed date.

How much does it cost to rent on Nearby?: Each lender sets their own daily price. Borrowers pay that price plus a 12% service fee. For example, an item at €20 a day for 2 days costs €40.00 plus a €4.80 service fee, so you pay €44.80.
How much do lenders earn?: Lenders normally keep 88% of their listed price, with no listing fees and no monthly subscription. On a €40.00 rental, the lender gets €35.20. If your account has a fee waiver, you keep 100% while it lasts; the listing form shows it.
When am I charged?: You pay through Stripe on the booking page after the lender accepts your request. Nothing is charged when you send the request. Nearby accepts major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

What is the cancellation policy?: Nearby has one cancellation policy, called Standard. The cut-off is 24 hours before the pickup time you agreed with the lender. Cancel before the cut-off and you get a full refund, service fee included. Cancel after the cut-off but before pickup and you get 50% of the rental back; the service fee is not refunded. After pickup there is no refund.
What happens if the lender cancels?: You always get a full refund, including the service fee, whenever the lender cancels.
How do I cancel a booking?: Email support@nearby.ie with your booking details. We confirm your refund by email and process it to your original card.

What is the Nearby Guarantee?: Every rental includes the Nearby Guarantee at no extra cost. If a rented item is accidentally damaged or stolen during the rental, Nearby may, at its discretion, make a goodwill payment to the lender of up to €2,000 per item.
Is the Nearby Guarantee insurance?: No. It is a discretionary goodwill payment scheme funded by Nearby, not insurance, and any payment is at Nearby's sole discretion.
How do I make a Guarantee claim?: Report the problem through the app within 48 hours of the scheduled return, then send your evidence within 10 days, such as your own photos of the item's condition, receipts and a repair quote. The Nearby team reviews it and decides at Nearby's discretion.

How does Nearby check who people are?: Every member confirms their email address before they can use Nearby. Members can also verify their identity with a government-issued photo ID and a live selfie, checked by Stripe Identity. Members who pass show an "ID verified" badge on their profile and listings, and Nearby stores only the outcome, never the document or the selfie.
Is it safe to rent from a stranger?: You can read each member's reviews and see whether they are ID verified before you book. Messages and payments stay on Nearby, and you meet to hand the item over. If a listing or member worries you, use "Report this listing" or "Report this member", or email support@nearby.ie.

Still have a question? Email support@nearby.ie or read the Help Centre.