Last updated: June 2025
NearMe is a peer-to-peer rental marketplace operated in Australia that connects people who want to rent items ("renters") with people who want to earn income from their belongings ("owners"). NearMe is a platform intermediary only, we do not own, inspect, or warrant any listed items.
You must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Australia to use NearMe. By creating an account you represent that this is true. NearMe reserves the right to terminate accounts that do not meet these requirements.
Owners are responsible for ensuring their listings are accurate, items are in good working condition, and they have the right to rent them out. Renters are responsible for using items with reasonable care and returning them on time and in the same condition. All bookings are agreements between the owner and renter, NearMe facilitates but is not a party to these agreements.
All payments are processed securely through Stripe. NearMe charges a 10% service fee to renters and a 15% commission on the rental price paid to owners. Fees are clearly displayed before confirming any booking. NearMe reserves the right to update fees with reasonable notice.
Cancellation terms depend on the policy set by the owner (Flexible, Moderate, or Strict), which is displayed on each listing. Flexible: full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours before pickup. Moderate: full refund if cancelled at least 3 days before pickup. Strict: no refund within 7 days of pickup. Where a refund is due, it includes the service fee. If the owner declines a request, does not respond, or cancels a confirmed booking, the renter is refunded in full.
Nothing is held on your payment method as a bond at checkout. Instead, by booking you agree that if the item is not returned, or is returned damaged beyond normal wear and tear, you can be charged up to the damage liability amount shown on the listing before you booked (never more than $2,000). Nothing is charged when the item comes back in good condition.
If an item comes back damaged, the amount owed is the LOWEST of: (a) the actual repair cost, evidenced by a quote or invoice; (b) the cost of a like-for-like replacement at current market value for the item's age and condition, not the new retail price; (c) the declared item value shown at booking; and (d) $2,000. Normal wear and tear is never chargeable. Wear and tear means the ordinary marks of careful use: light scuffs and scratches, dirt that cleans off, normal battery and tyre wear, and similar. Damage means the item no longer works or looks as it did at handover for reasons beyond careful use. If an item is not returned or is stolen, a police report is required before any amount is assessed. Owners must report damage within 72 hours of the scheduled return. Where an item has not come back at all, the report may instead be made within 72 hours of the item becoming 24 hours overdue, since that is the point at which a late return is treated as a non-return. In both cases the owner must have added handover photos on the booking before the rental began; without them a claim cannot be opened. The renter is then notified and has 48 hours to respond with their own photos and account. The owner must provide the supporting repair quote, or evidence of replacement cost, within 7 days of reporting; if it is not provided, the claim lapses. NearMe reviews the evidence from both sides and decides in good faith. If an amount is decided against the renter, the renter is sent the decision, the amount and the evidence it rests on, and has 7 days to pay voluntarily or raise a dispute before the payment method on file is charged. Nothing in this process limits either party's rights under the Australian Consumer Law or their right to raise the matter with NSW Fair Trading, the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, or a court. We strongly recommend both parties photograph the item at pickup and at return using the condition photos section on every booking. Late returns: if an item is not returned by the agreed return date, the renter owes the daily rental rate for each additional day, on the same fee split as the original rental, unless the owner chooses to waive it. Keeping the owner informed is what separates a late return from a missing item: if you are running late, message the owner through NearMe and agree a new return time. If an item is more than 24 hours past its agreed return time and the renter has not made contact to arrange its return, the booking is treated as a non-return. NearMe treats the item as stolen from that point: the owner is entitled to report it to the police, a police report is required before any amount is assessed, the renter's account may be suspended, and the renter can be charged up to the damage liability shown on the listing under the process above. Where the renter has been in contact and a new return time has been agreed, the item is late rather than missing, and only the daily rate above applies.
The following may not be listed on NearMe: weapons, illegal items, prescription medicines, animals, vehicles (unless specifically permitted), or any item whose rental would violate Australian law. NearMe reserves the right to remove any listing and suspend any account at its discretion.
To the maximum extent permitted by Australian law, NearMe's liability is limited to the amount of fees paid in the 12 months preceding the claim. NearMe is not liable for loss, damage, injury, or any consequential damages arising from use of the platform or rental of items.
Nothing in these terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any right or remedy, or any guarantee, warranty, or other term or condition implied or imposed by the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.
We may update these terms from time to time. Continued use of NearMe after changes constitutes acceptance. We will notify users of material changes by email.
Questions about these terms? Email us at info@borrownearme.com