# Shelf: Borrow & Lend > Neighborhood marketplace for borrowing and lending items. (iPhone/iPad app by Ranita Rajkumar.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelf-borrow-and-lend/id6796538008 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Ranita Rajkumar](https://appshunter.io/developer/6796538011) - Category: Shopping, Lifestyle - Price: Free - Rating: 4.40/5 from 5 App Store ratings · 3 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 17+ - Requires: iOS 15.1 · 44 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2026-08-24 - Data updated: 2026-09-13 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelf-borrow-and-lend/id6796538008/reviews.md ## What is Shelf? Shelf was founded by Ranita Rajkumar & Arush Jain, students at the University of Maryland. It's a neighborhood marketplace for borrowing things you don't own but occasionally need, directly from people near you instead of buying them. List what you're not using and earn from it, or find what you need for a fraction of the cost of buying it new. Every reservation includes a refundable deposit, in-app messaging with the lender, and payments processed securely through Stripe. • Browse by category or map, or describe a project and get suggested items • Reserve dates directly in the app, pay securely through Stripe • Message the lender before you commit • Get exact pickup details once you've reserved • Rate and review after every borrow • List your own items and get paid out automatically Phone and ID verification are required before reserving or listing, keeping the community accountable. ## Key features - Borrow and lend items locally - Browse by category or map - Secure payments via Stripe - In-app messaging - Rate and review transactions - List items to earn money ## Recent user reviews (3 of 3) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shelf-borrow-and-lend/id6796538008/reviews.md ### 5/5 — The AirBnB of Borrowing *2026-08-26* Ok this app is actually kind of genius. Why am I buying a drill I’ll use twice a year when my neighbor already has one collecting dust? Shelf basically turned every closet on your block into a rental market. Feels like Airbnb but for stuff instead of spare rooms, super clean interface and it just makes sense. This is gonna be huge once more people catch on. ### 5/5 — Super easy and convenient! *2026-08-25* This app is actually so good and super easy to use. Really convenient, and makes everything so much simpler! ### 5/5 — Finally, a way to actually use stuff instead of buying it *2026-08-25* I’ve been using Shelf for a few weeks now and it’s exactly what my neighborhood needed. Borrowed a power washer from someone two streets over instead of dropping $150 on one I’d use twice a year. The deposit system made me feel safe as both a borrower and someone lending out my own stuff. Everyone’s verified, and payments happen right in the app so there’s no awkward cash exchange. The whole “why buy it when your neighbor already owns it” thing just clicks once you actually try it. It’s easy to list an item, easy to browse what’s nearby, and returns have been smooth every time. Would love to see more categories added as it grows, but for a newer app this already feels solid. Recommending it to everyone on my block. ## Frequently asked questions about Shelf ### What is Shelf? Shelf is a neighborhood marketplace that allows you to borrow items you need from people nearby instead of buying them. You can also list your own unused items to earn money from them. ### How does Shelf ensure security? Shelf requires phone and ID verification for all users before they can reserve or list items. Payments are processed securely through Stripe, and each reservation includes a refundable deposit. ### Can I communicate with the lender on Shelf? Yes, Shelf includes in-app messaging, allowing you to communicate directly with the lender before you commit to a reservation and to arrange pickup details. ### How do I pay for borrowed items on Shelf? Payments are processed securely through Stripe within the app. A refundable deposit is also included with every reservation. ### What happens after I borrow an item on Shelf? After you've completed the borrow, you will have the opportunity to rate and review the lender and the item, helping to build trust within the community. ### How do I get paid if I lend an item on Shelf? If you list your own items and they are borrowed, you will get paid out automatically through the secure Stripe payment system. ### What devices is Shelf available on? Shelf is available on iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices. ### Is Shelf free to use? Yes, Shelf is free to download and use. The app does not have in-app purchases or advertisements. ## Version history (last 1 release) ### 1.0 — 2026-08-24 No release notes. ## Apps similar to Shelf | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [FreeorBarter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/freeorbarter/id6754944684) | 5.0 (2) | Free | Shopping | | [DealFlip AI](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dealflip-ai/id6756501597) | — | Free | Shopping | | [Journelle - Lingerie & Lounge](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/journelle-lingerie-and-lounge/id1524839824) | 4.7 (116) | Free | Shopping | | [Thryfter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/thryfter/id6741748645) | 4.4 (58) | Free | Shopping | | [The Reef Cannabis](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-reef-cannabis/id1630532043) | 4.8 (892) | Free | Shopping | | [Quick Eats Close Convenience](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/quick-eats-close-convenience/id1497784807) | 3.9 (11) | Free | Shopping | --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-13.*