It will probably be years before all the social and structural ramifications of the economic downturn are fully realized. However, one interesting consequence already is materializing. According to Amy Hoak, a reporter for "MarketWatch", a "Wall Street Journal" publication, for the first time in decades, more people say they would rather rent a home than purchase one. But it goes further than that. This loss of interest in home ownership is not necessarily because of the high foreclosure rates or shaky recovery. Instead, Hoak says, more people simply are rejecting the idea that home ownership is a good investment, believing their money might go further--and certainly be more liquid--in other types of investment opportunities. The question now is just how far this "renting" idea will go when it comes to other items that traditionally are bought instead of leased. The reasons for this go beyond just the possible cost savings. But before managers decide to follow the renting route, they should know more about renting professional cleaning equipment: the upsides and downsides, when it is most advantageous, and when purchasing a machine still is the best option.