Rent With Confidence

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you're renting equipment for a home project, renovation, landscaping job, or professional work, you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions below. If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.

Getting Started


  • Browse available equipment, choose pickup or delivery, select your rental dates, and complete checkout online. After booking, you'll receive a rental agreement for electronic signature. Once the agreement is signed and your identity is verified, your rental is ready for pickup or delivery.

  • You must be at least 19 years of age to rent equipment from CM Rentals. You will be asked to provide government issued photo ID before possession.

  • Yes. We rent to homeowners, DIYers, contractors, property managers, and businesses throughout the Cowichan Valley

Delivery & Pickup

  • Yes. We offer convenient delivery and pickup throughout the Cowichan Valley, subject to availability. The first 25 customers after our grand opening receive free delivery, and qualifying orders may also be eligible for free delivery. Your available delivery options and pricing will be shown during checkout.

  • We primarily serve Cowichan Bay, Duncan, Mill Bay, Shawnigan Lake, Cobble Hill, Chemainus, and surrounding communities throughout the Cowichan Valley.

  • Yes. Most equipment can be picked up directly from our Cowichan Bay location. Pickup instructions will be provided after your booking is confirmed.

  • Please contact us before your scheduled pickup. Additional verification may be required before equipment can be released to another person.

  • Certain equipment may qualify for unattended pickup and return through our secure pickup system. Availability depends on the equipment being rented and will be confirmed before your rental.

Payments & Deposits

  • To secure your reservation, 50% of the rental cost is charged at checkout. The remaining 50% is charged when you pick up your equipment or before delivery

  • Every rental requires a damage deposit authorization. In most cases, this is a temporary hold placed on your credit card, not an actual charge. The authorization is used only to help cover any unpaid charges such as equipment damage, missing components, excessive cleaning, late returns, or other amounts owing under the rental agreement. Once the equipment has been returned and inspected, the authorization is released. Depending on your financial institution, it may take a few business days for the hold to disappear from your account.

  • We release the deposit within three business days after the equipment has been returned and inspected. Depending on your financial institution, it may take additional time for the authorization hold to disappear from your account.

  • Payments are securely processed through Stripe during checkout. Available payment methods will be displayed during the booking process.

  • No. Unless stated otherwise, all prices are shown before applicable taxes. GST and PST are calculated and displayed during checkout.

Rental Periods

  • Rental periods vary by equipment. Most products are available on daily and weekly rates, while some larger items may require a minimum rental period. Available pricing and rental options are shown on each product page.

  • If you need more time, please contact us before your scheduled return time instead of placing a new booking online. We'll check availability and, where possible, work with you to find the most appropriate rental option. Rental extensions require approval and are subject to equipment availability. Approved extensions will be confirmed by email.

  • Late returns are charged at the applicable daily rental rate shown in your booking confirmation. If you think you'll need the equipment longer than originally booked, please contact us before your scheduled return time. Rental extensions are subject to availability and approval.

  • Yes. However, returning equipment early does not automatically qualify for a refund or rental credit.

Equipment & Safety

  • Many of our customers are first-time users. We provide easy access to the manufacturer's operating instructions, which are linked on every product page, included with the rental agreement, and available anytime through our online Instruction Manual Library. Before using any equipment, you should review the operating instructions and ensure you can operate it safely and competently. If you're unsure whether a tool is suitable for your project, contact us before booking.

  • Yes. Every tool in our rental inventory has a corresponding manufacturer's operating manual available through our online Instruction Manual Library. Each specific manual is linked on the product page, and sent to you with the rental agreement.

  • All cordless power tools include the battery and charger needed for normal operation unless otherwise noted on the product page. Any included batteries and chargers are listed in the product description.

  • Yes. Additional batteries and chargers are available for rent with many cordless tools. Availability and pricing are shown on the applicable product pages.

  • We offer a selection of personal protective equipment for purchase as a convenience. Customers are responsible for selecting PPE appropriate for their task and work environment.

  • Stop using the equipment immediately and contact us. If equipment fails through no fault of your own and a replacement is not available, we may provide a credit or refund for the unused portion of the rental period.

Consumables & Accessories

  • Unless otherwise stated, consumables are not included with equipment rentals and must be purchased separately.

  • Consumables such as blades, bits, discs, fasteners, abrasives, and personal protective equipment are sold, not rented.

  • Unused and unopened consumables may be returned within 14 days with proof of purchase. Used or installed consumables cannot be returned.

  • Yes. If you purchase a compatible blade or accessory from CM Rentals, we can install it before pickup at no additional charge upon request.

  • If you're unsure, contact us before booking and we'll help you select compatible accessories and consumables.

Damage, Loss & Theft

  • Renters are responsible for equipment damage, loss, or theft that occurs during the rental period. If something happens, contact us immediately so we can help determine the next steps.

  • Contact us immediately and report any theft to local law enforcement. Additional charges may apply as outlined in the rental agreement. For complete details, please refer to the Master Equipment Rental Agreement.

  • Stop using the equipment immediately and contact us as soon as possible. Continuing to use damaged equipment may create additional safety risks or further damage.

  • No. The damage deposit is not a limitation of liability. If costs exceed the deposit amount, additional charges may apply in accordance with the rental agreement.

Equipment Condition

  • All rental equipment is previously used equipment. It is professionally maintained, inspected, and serviced between rentals. Cosmetic wear is normal and does not affect functionality.

  • Equipment is inspected, maintained, and serviced as required between rentals to help ensure it remains in safe working condition.

  • Yes. We encourage customers to inspect equipment upon pickup and notify us immediately if they notice any concerns.

  • Contact us immediately and before using the equipment so we can document any pre-existing issues.

Privacy & Security

  • Yes. Before equipment can be released, you'll need to provide valid government-issued photo identification for identity verification. We will provide instructions as part of the rental process.

  • Government-issued identification records are deleted 90 days after the end of the rental unless required for an active claim, dispute, or investigation.

  • No. We do not store your full credit card number. Payment information is securely processed through Stripe.

  • We do not sell your personal information. Information is shared only with trusted service providers when necessary to process rentals, payments, electronic signatures, accounting, and related business operations.

  • Selected higher-value equipment may contain GPS or telematics devices used for theft prevention, recovery, and asset protection.

Policies & General Information

  • You may cancel your booking at any time by contacting us.

    48+ hours before pickup: Full refund of your booking deposit

    24-48 hours before pickup: 50% of your booking deposit refunded

    Less than 24 hours before pickup: Booking deposit retained

    No-show: Booking deposit retained

    You'll never be charged more than the booking deposit if you cancel. For complete details, please see our How Rentals Work page.

  • Change requests received at least 48 hours before pickup can often be accommodated if the equipment remains available. Later requests are generally treated as a cancellation and new booking.

  • If we are unable to provide the reserved equipment, we may offer comparable equipment or provide a full refund of rental charges paid.

  • We make renting equipment simple. Reserve online in minutes, complete your paperwork electronically, access equipment manuals before pickup, and choose convenient pickup or delivery options. Our goal is to provide a straightforward, transparent rental experience from start to finish.

  • You can contact us through our Contact page, by email, or by phone. We're always happy to answer questions and help you find the right equipment for your project.