diff --git a/backend/migrations/20241124000005-create-rentals.js b/backend/migrations/20241124000005-create-rentals.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f8aae32
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/migrations/20241124000005-create-rentals.js
@@ -0,0 +1,210 @@
+"use strict";
+
+module.exports = {
+  up: async (queryInterface, Sequelize) => {
+    await queryInterface.createTable("Rentals", {
+      id: {
+        type: Sequelize.UUID,
+        defaultValue: Sequelize.UUIDV4,
+        primaryKey: true,
+      },
+      itemId: {
+        type: Sequelize.UUID,
+        allowNull: false,
+        references: {
+          model: "Items",
+          key: "id",
+        },
+        onUpdate: "CASCADE",
+        onDelete: "CASCADE",
+      },
+      renterId: {
+        type: Sequelize.UUID,
+        allowNull: false,
+        references: {
+          model: "Users",
+          key: "id",
+        },
+        onUpdate: "CASCADE",
+        onDelete: "CASCADE",
+      },
+      ownerId: {
+        type: Sequelize.UUID,
+        allowNull: false,
+        references: {
+          model: "Users",
+          key: "id",
+        },
+        onUpdate: "CASCADE",
+        onDelete: "CASCADE",
+      },
+      startDateTime: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+        allowNull: false,
+      },
+      endDateTime: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+        allowNull: false,
+      },
+      totalAmount: {
+        type: Sequelize.DECIMAL(10, 2),
+        allowNull: false,
+      },
+      platformFee: {
+        type: Sequelize.DECIMAL(10, 2),
+        allowNull: false,
+      },
+      payoutAmount: {
+        type: Sequelize.DECIMAL(10, 2),
+        allowNull: false,
+      },
+      status: {
+        type: Sequelize.ENUM(
+          "pending",
+          "confirmed",
+          "declined",
+          "active",
+          "completed",
+          "cancelled",
+          "returned_late",
+          "returned_late_and_damaged",
+          "damaged",
+          "lost"
+        ),
+        allowNull: false,
+      },
+      paymentStatus: {
+        type: Sequelize.ENUM("pending", "paid", "refunded", "not_required"),
+        allowNull: false,
+      },
+      payoutStatus: {
+        type: Sequelize.ENUM("pending", "completed", "failed"),
+        allowNull: true,
+      },
+      payoutProcessedAt: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+      },
+      stripeTransferId: {
+        type: Sequelize.STRING,
+      },
+      refundAmount: {
+        type: Sequelize.DECIMAL(10, 2),
+      },
+      refundProcessedAt: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+      },
+      refundReason: {
+        type: Sequelize.TEXT,
+      },
+      stripeRefundId: {
+        type: Sequelize.STRING,
+      },
+      cancelledBy: {
+        type: Sequelize.ENUM("renter", "owner"),
+      },
+      cancelledAt: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+      },
+      declineReason: {
+        type: Sequelize.TEXT,
+      },
+      stripePaymentMethodId: {
+        type: Sequelize.STRING,
+      },
+      stripePaymentIntentId: {
+        type: Sequelize.STRING,
+      },
+      paymentMethodBrand: {
+        type: Sequelize.STRING,
+      },
+      paymentMethodLast4: {
+        type: Sequelize.STRING,
+      },
+      chargedAt: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+      },
+      deliveryMethod: {
+        type: Sequelize.ENUM("pickup", "delivery"),
+        defaultValue: "pickup",
+      },
+      deliveryAddress: {
+        type: Sequelize.TEXT,
+      },
+      intendedUse: {
+        type: Sequelize.TEXT,
+      },
+      itemRating: {
+        type: Sequelize.INTEGER,
+      },
+      itemReview: {
+        type: Sequelize.TEXT,
+      },
+      itemReviewSubmittedAt: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+      },
+      itemReviewVisible: {
+        type: Sequelize.BOOLEAN,
+        defaultValue: false,
+      },
+      renterRating: {
+        type: Sequelize.INTEGER,
+      },
+      renterReview: {
+        type: Sequelize.TEXT,
+      },
+      renterReviewSubmittedAt: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+      },
+      renterReviewVisible: {
+        type: Sequelize.BOOLEAN,
+        defaultValue: false,
+      },
+      itemPrivateMessage: {
+        type: Sequelize.TEXT,
+      },
+      renterPrivateMessage: {
+        type: Sequelize.TEXT,
+      },
+      actualReturnDateTime: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+      },
+      lateFees: {
+        type: Sequelize.DECIMAL(10, 2),
+        defaultValue: 0.0,
+      },
+      damageFees: {
+        type: Sequelize.DECIMAL(10, 2),
+        defaultValue: 0.0,
+      },
+      replacementFees: {
+        type: Sequelize.DECIMAL(10, 2),
+        defaultValue: 0.0,
+      },
+      itemLostReportedAt: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+      },
+      damageAssessment: {
+        type: Sequelize.JSONB,
+        defaultValue: {},
+      },
+      createdAt: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+        allowNull: false,
+      },
+      updatedAt: {
+        type: Sequelize.DATE,
+        allowNull: false,
+      },
+    });
+
+    // Add indexes
+    await queryInterface.addIndex("Rentals", ["itemId"]);
+    await queryInterface.addIndex("Rentals", ["renterId"]);
+    await queryInterface.addIndex("Rentals", ["ownerId"]);
+    await queryInterface.addIndex("Rentals", ["status"]);
+  },
+
+  down: async (queryInterface, Sequelize) => {
+    await queryInterface.dropTable("Rentals");
+  },
+};
diff --git a/backend/models/Rental.js b/backend/models/Rental.js
index fc4bb9b..26f9aa3 100644
--- a/backend/models/Rental.js
+++ b/backend/models/Rental.js
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ const Rental = sequelize.define("Rental", {
   deliveryAddress: {
     type: DataTypes.TEXT,
   },
-  notes: {
+  intendedUse: {
     type: DataTypes.TEXT,
   },
   // Renter's review of the item (existing fields renamed for clarity)
diff --git a/backend/routes/rentals.js b/backend/routes/rentals.js
index a25d3f2..ace90c6 100644
--- a/backend/routes/rentals.js
+++ b/backend/routes/rentals.js
@@ -183,7 +183,7 @@ router.post("/", authenticateToken, requireVerifiedEmail, async (req, res) => {
       endDateTime,
       deliveryMethod,
       deliveryAddress,
-      notes,
+      intendedUse,
       stripePaymentMethodId,
     } = req.body;
 
@@ -274,7 +274,7 @@ router.post("/", authenticateToken, requireVerifiedEmail, async (req, res) => {
       status: "pending",
       deliveryMethod,
       deliveryAddress,
-      notes,
+      intendedUse,
     };
 
     // Only add stripePaymentMethodId if it's provided (for paid rentals)
@@ -1099,7 +1099,7 @@ router.post("/:id/cancel", authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
 // Mark item return status (owner only)
 router.post("/:id/mark-return", authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
   try {
-    const { status, actualReturnDateTime, notes, statusOptions } = req.body;
+    const { status, actualReturnDateTime, statusOptions } = req.body;
     const rentalId = req.params.id;
     const userId = req.user.id;
 
@@ -1133,7 +1133,6 @@ router.post("/:id/mark-return", authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
           status: "completed",
           payoutStatus: "pending",
           actualReturnDateTime: actualReturnDateTime || rental.endDateTime,
-          notes: notes || null,
         });
 
         // Fetch full rental details with associations for email
@@ -1177,15 +1176,13 @@ router.post("/:id/mark-return", authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
           status: "damaged",
           payoutStatus: "pending",
           actualReturnDateTime: actualReturnDateTime || rental.endDateTime,
-          notes: notes || null,
         };
 
         // Check if ALSO returned late
         if (statusOptions?.returned_late && actualReturnDateTime) {
           const lateReturnDamaged = await LateReturnService.processLateReturn(
             rentalId,
-            actualReturnDateTime,
-            notes
+            actualReturnDateTime
           );
           damageUpdates.status = "returned_late_and_damaged";
           damageUpdates.lateFees = lateReturnDamaged.lateCalculation.lateFee;
@@ -1207,8 +1204,7 @@ router.post("/:id/mark-return", authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
 
         const lateReturn = await LateReturnService.processLateReturn(
           rentalId,
-          actualReturnDateTime,
-          notes
+          actualReturnDateTime
         );
 
         updatedRental = lateReturn.rental;
@@ -1221,7 +1217,6 @@ router.post("/:id/mark-return", authenticateToken, async (req, res) => {
           status: "lost",
           payoutStatus: "pending",
           itemLostReportedAt: new Date(),
-          notes: notes || null,
         });
 
         // Send notification to customer service
diff --git a/backend/services/email/core/TemplateManager.js b/backend/services/email/core/TemplateManager.js
index bd852c2..66b49bc 100644
--- a/backend/services/email/core/TemplateManager.js
+++ b/backend/services/email/core/TemplateManager.js
@@ -303,7 +303,7 @@ class TemplateManager {
         <p><strong>Total Amount:</strong> ${{totalAmount}}</p>
         <p><strong>Your Earnings:</strong> ${{payoutAmount}}</p>
         <p><strong>Delivery Method:</strong> {{deliveryMethod}}</p>
-        <p><strong>Renter Notes:</strong> {{rentalNotes}}</p>
+        <p><strong>Intended Use:</strong> {{intendedUse}}</p>
         <p><a href="{{approveUrl}}" class="button">Review & Respond</a></p>
         <p>Please respond to this request within 24 hours.</p>
       `
diff --git a/backend/services/email/domain/RentalFlowEmailService.js b/backend/services/email/domain/RentalFlowEmailService.js
index c04c056..7ef053f 100644
--- a/backend/services/email/domain/RentalFlowEmailService.js
+++ b/backend/services/email/domain/RentalFlowEmailService.js
@@ -53,7 +53,6 @@ class RentalFlowEmailService {
    * @param {string} rental.totalAmount - Total rental amount
    * @param {string} rental.payoutAmount - Owner's payout amount
    * @param {string} rental.deliveryMethod - Delivery method
-   * @param {string} rental.notes - Rental notes from renter
    * @returns {Promise<{success: boolean, messageId?: string, error?: string}>}
    */
   async sendRentalRequestEmail(owner, renter, rental) {
@@ -88,7 +87,7 @@ class RentalFlowEmailService {
           ? parseFloat(rental.payoutAmount).toFixed(2)
           : "0.00",
         deliveryMethod: rental.deliveryMethod || "Not specified",
-        rentalNotes: rental.notes || "No additional notes provided",
+        intendedUse: rental.intendedUse || "Not specified",
         approveUrl: approveUrl,
       };
 
diff --git a/backend/services/lateReturnService.js b/backend/services/lateReturnService.js
index 078305a..bb315fe 100644
--- a/backend/services/lateReturnService.js
+++ b/backend/services/lateReturnService.js
@@ -60,10 +60,9 @@ class LateReturnService {
    * Process late return and update rental with fees
    * @param {string} rentalId - Rental ID
    * @param {Date} actualReturnDateTime - When item was returned
-   * @param {string} notes - Optional notes about the return
    * @returns {Object} - Updated rental with late fee information
    */
-  static async processLateReturn(rentalId, actualReturnDateTime, notes = null) {
+  static async processLateReturn(rentalId, actualReturnDateTime) {
     const rental = await Rental.findByPk(rentalId, {
       include: [{ model: Item, as: "item" }],
     });
@@ -84,10 +83,6 @@ class LateReturnService {
       payoutStatus: "pending",
     };
 
-    if (notes) {
-      updates.notes = notes;
-    }
-
     const updatedRental = await rental.update(updates);
 
     // Send notification to customer service if late return detected
diff --git a/backend/templates/emails/rentalRequestToOwner.html b/backend/templates/emails/rentalRequestToOwner.html
index 6c371cf..4607a6e 100644
--- a/backend/templates/emails/rentalRequestToOwner.html
+++ b/backend/templates/emails/rentalRequestToOwner.html
@@ -295,8 +295,8 @@
         </table>
 
         <div class="info-box">
-          <p><strong>Renter's Notes:</strong></p>
-          <p>{{rentalNotes}}</p>
+          <p><strong>Intended Use:</strong></p>
+          <p>{{intendedUse}}</p>
         </div>
 
         <div style="text-align: center">
diff --git a/backend/tests/unit/routes/rentals.test.js b/backend/tests/unit/routes/rentals.test.js
index 0524234..927138b 100644
--- a/backend/tests/unit/routes/rentals.test.js
+++ b/backend/tests/unit/routes/rentals.test.js
@@ -289,7 +289,6 @@ describe('Rentals Routes', () => {
       endDateTime: '2024-01-15T18:00:00.000Z',
       deliveryMethod: 'pickup',
       deliveryAddress: null,
-      notes: 'Test rental',
       stripePaymentMethodId: 'pm_test123',
     };
 
diff --git a/backend/tests/unit/services/emailService.test.js b/backend/tests/unit/services/emailService.test.js
index bac0594..a2e184b 100644
--- a/backend/tests/unit/services/emailService.test.js
+++ b/backend/tests/unit/services/emailService.test.js
@@ -449,7 +449,6 @@ describe('EmailService', () => {
         totalAmount: 150.00,
         payoutAmount: 135.00,
         deliveryMethod: 'pickup',
-        notes: 'Please have it ready by 9am',
         item: { name: 'Power Drill' }
       };
 
@@ -522,7 +521,6 @@ describe('EmailService', () => {
         totalAmount: 0,
         payoutAmount: 0,
         deliveryMethod: 'pickup',
-        notes: null,
         item: { name: 'Free Item' }
       };
 
@@ -531,39 +529,6 @@ describe('EmailService', () => {
       expect(result.success).toBe(true);
     });
 
-    it('should handle missing rental notes', async () => {
-      const mockOwner = {
-        email: 'owner@example.com',
-        firstName: 'John'
-      };
-      const mockRenter = {
-        firstName: 'Jane',
-        lastName: 'Doe'
-      };
-
-      User.findByPk
-        .mockResolvedValueOnce(mockOwner)
-        .mockResolvedValueOnce(mockRenter);
-
-      const rental = {
-        id: 1,
-        ownerId: 10,
-        renterId: 20,
-        startDateTime: new Date('2024-12-01T10:00:00Z'),
-        endDateTime: new Date('2024-12-03T10:00:00Z'),
-        totalAmount: 100,
-        payoutAmount: 90,
-        deliveryMethod: 'delivery',
-        notes: null, // No notes
-        item: { name: 'Test Item' }
-      };
-
-      const result = await emailService.sendRentalRequestEmail(rental);
-
-      expect(result.success).toBe(true);
-      expect(mockSend).toHaveBeenCalled();
-    });
-
     it('should generate correct approval URL', async () => {
       const mockOwner = {
         email: 'owner@example.com',
@@ -589,7 +554,6 @@ describe('EmailService', () => {
         totalAmount: 100,
         payoutAmount: 90,
         deliveryMethod: 'pickup',
-        notes: 'Test notes',
         item: { name: 'Test Item' }
       };
 
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/ReturnStatusModal.tsx b/frontend/src/components/ReturnStatusModal.tsx
index 171bcea..f6c5717 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/ReturnStatusModal.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/ReturnStatusModal.tsx
@@ -24,7 +24,6 @@ const ReturnStatusModal: React.FC<ReturnStatusModalProps> = ({
     lost: false,
   });
   const [actualReturnDateTime, setActualReturnDateTime] = useState("");
-  const [notes, setNotes] = useState("");
   const [conditionNotes, setConditionNotes] = useState("");
   const [photos, setPhotos] = useState<File[]>([]);
   const [processing, setProcessing] = useState(false);
@@ -56,7 +55,6 @@ const ReturnStatusModal: React.FC<ReturnStatusModalProps> = ({
         lost: false,
       });
       setActualReturnDateTime("");
-      setNotes("");
       setConditionNotes("");
       setPhotos([]);
       setError(null);
@@ -71,13 +69,13 @@ const ReturnStatusModal: React.FC<ReturnStatusModalProps> = ({
 
   // Create blob URLs for photo previews and clean them up
   const photoBlobUrls = useMemo(() => {
-    return photos.map(photo => URL.createObjectURL(photo));
+    return photos.map((photo) => URL.createObjectURL(photo));
   }, [photos]);
 
   // Cleanup blob URLs when photos change or component unmounts
   useEffect(() => {
     return () => {
-      photoBlobUrls.forEach(url => URL.revokeObjectURL(url));
+      photoBlobUrls.forEach((url) => URL.revokeObjectURL(url));
     };
   }, [photoBlobUrls]);
 
@@ -202,6 +200,7 @@ const ReturnStatusModal: React.FC<ReturnStatusModalProps> = ({
       );
       if (!hasSelection) {
         setError("Please select at least one return status option");
+        setProcessing(false);
         return;
       }
 
@@ -316,7 +315,6 @@ const ReturnStatusModal: React.FC<ReturnStatusModalProps> = ({
         const data: any = {
           status: primaryStatus,
           statusOptions, // Send all selected options
-          notes: notes.trim() || undefined,
         };
 
         if (statusOptions.returned_late) {
@@ -346,7 +344,6 @@ const ReturnStatusModal: React.FC<ReturnStatusModalProps> = ({
       lost: false,
     });
     setActualReturnDateTime("");
-    setNotes("");
     setConditionNotes("");
     setPhotos([]);
     setError(null);
@@ -950,7 +947,7 @@ const ReturnStatusModal: React.FC<ReturnStatusModalProps> = ({
                   >
                     <span className="visually-hidden">Loading...</span>
                   </div>
-                  Processing...
+                  Submitting...
                 </>
               ) : (
                 "Submit"
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/ReviewModal.tsx b/frontend/src/components/ReviewModal.tsx
index 8d11145..93094ff 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/ReviewModal.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/ReviewModal.tsx
@@ -69,6 +69,18 @@ const ReviewItemModal: React.FC<ReviewItemModalProps> = ({
 
   if (!show) return null;
 
+  // Show success modal instead of review modal after successful submission
+  if (showSuccessModal) {
+    return (
+      <SuccessModal
+        show={true}
+        onClose={handleSuccessModalClose}
+        title="Thank you for your review!"
+        message={successMessage}
+      />
+    );
+  }
+
   return (
     <div
       className="modal d-block"
@@ -212,13 +224,6 @@ const ReviewItemModal: React.FC<ReviewItemModalProps> = ({
           </form>
         </div>
       </div>
-
-      <SuccessModal
-        show={showSuccessModal}
-        onClose={handleSuccessModalClose}
-        title="Thank you for your review!"
-        message={successMessage}
-      />
     </div>
   );
 };
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/ReviewRenterModal.tsx b/frontend/src/components/ReviewRenterModal.tsx
index d57b9db..b927a23 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/ReviewRenterModal.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/ReviewRenterModal.tsx
@@ -69,6 +69,18 @@ const ReviewRenterModal: React.FC<ReviewRenterModalProps> = ({
 
   if (!show) return null;
 
+  // Show success modal instead of review modal after successful submission
+  if (showSuccessModal) {
+    return (
+      <SuccessModal
+        show={true}
+        onClose={handleSuccessModalClose}
+        title="Thank you for your review!"
+        message={successMessage}
+      />
+    );
+  }
+
   return (
     <div
       className="modal d-block"
@@ -212,13 +224,6 @@ const ReviewRenterModal: React.FC<ReviewRenterModalProps> = ({
           </form>
         </div>
       </div>
-
-      <SuccessModal
-        show={showSuccessModal}
-        onClose={handleSuccessModalClose}
-        title="Thank you for your review!"
-        message={successMessage}
-      />
     </div>
   );
 };
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/Owning.tsx b/frontend/src/pages/Owning.tsx
index ca30eb9..68cd8b0 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/Owning.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/Owning.tsx
@@ -359,6 +359,14 @@ const Owning: React.FC = () => {
                       <strong>Total:</strong> ${rental.totalAmount}
                     </p>
 
+                    {rental.intendedUse && rental.status === "pending" && (
+                      <div className="alert alert-light mt-2 mb-2 p-2 small">
+                        <strong>Intended Use:</strong>
+                        <br />
+                        {rental.intendedUse}
+                      </div>
+                    )}
+
                     {rental.status === "cancelled" &&
                       rental.refundAmount !== undefined && (
                         <div className="alert alert-info mt-2 mb-2 p-2 small">
@@ -620,9 +628,7 @@ const Owning: React.FC = () => {
                       onClick={() => toggleAvailability(item)}
                       className="btn btn-sm btn-outline-info"
                     >
-                      {item.isAvailable
-                        ? "Mark Unavailable"
-                        : "Mark Available"}
+                      {item.isAvailable ? "Mark Unavailable" : "Mark Available"}
                     </button>
                     <button
                       onClick={() => handleDelete(item.id)}
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/RentItem.tsx b/frontend/src/pages/RentItem.tsx
index 7105261..ea1c759 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/RentItem.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/RentItem.tsx
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ const RentItem: React.FC = () => {
   const [formData, setFormData] = useState({
     deliveryMethod: "pickup" as "pickup" | "delivery",
     deliveryAddress: "",
+    intendedUse: "",
   });
 
   const [manualSelection, setManualSelection] = useState({
@@ -143,6 +144,7 @@ const RentItem: React.FC = () => {
         endDateTime,
         deliveryMethod: formData.deliveryMethod,
         deliveryAddress: formData.deliveryAddress,
+        intendedUse: formData.intendedUse || undefined,
         totalAmount: totalCost,
       };
     } catch (error: any) {
@@ -261,6 +263,26 @@ const RentItem: React.FC = () => {
                       </p>
                     )}
 
+                    <div className="mb-3">
+                      <label htmlFor="intendedUse" className="form-label">
+                        What will you use this for?{" "}
+                        <span className="text-muted">(Optional)</span>
+                      </label>
+                      <textarea
+                        id="intendedUse"
+                        name="intendedUse"
+                        className="form-control"
+                        rows={3}
+                        value={formData.intendedUse}
+                        onChange={handleChange}
+                        placeholder="Let the owner know how you plan to use their item..."
+                        maxLength={500}
+                      />
+                      <div className="form-text">
+                        {formData.intendedUse.length}/500 characters
+                      </div>
+                    </div>
+
                     {!manualSelection.startDate ||
                     !manualSelection.endDate ||
                     !getRentalData() ? (
diff --git a/frontend/src/services/api.ts b/frontend/src/services/api.ts
index cb9ff54..89616e8 100644
--- a/frontend/src/services/api.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/services/api.ts
@@ -232,7 +232,7 @@ export const rentalAPI = {
   // Return status marking
   markReturn: (
     id: string,
-    data: { status: string; actualReturnDateTime?: string; notes?: string }
+    data: { status: string; actualReturnDateTime?: string }
   ) => api.post(`/rentals/${id}/mark-return`, data),
   reportDamage: (id: string, data: any) =>
     api.post(`/rentals/${id}/report-damage`, data),
diff --git a/frontend/src/types/index.ts b/frontend/src/types/index.ts
index 63fe50c..15623e2 100644
--- a/frontend/src/types/index.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/types/index.ts
@@ -152,7 +152,7 @@ export interface Rental {
   stripeTransferId?: string;
   deliveryMethod: "pickup" | "delivery";
   deliveryAddress?: string;
-  notes?: string;
+  intendedUse?: string;
   rating?: number;
   review?: string;
   declineReason?: string;