What is a Storage Lease?
Contrary to popular belief, storing your personal belongings requires more than just payment and an available unit. One must remember that signing a storage lease is like signing an apartment lease. You are, in fact, leasing space. Each lease is governed by local and state laws.
Your lease is a legally binding document that protects you and the storage facility. It outlines each parties’ responsibilities and provides detailed information as to the terms and conditions of the lease. Below is a list of items that your lease should cover.
- Your personal information (name, address, phone number)
- Unit number
- Rent amount
- Rent due date
- Late fees and assessment dates
- Other Fees (Ex.: Lock cut fee, returned mail fee, lien fees, advertising fees)
In addition to the above-mentioned items, your lease should also provide the following information:
- How to update/change your personal information
- Contents that can/cannot be stored
- Required number of days to be given prior to vacating the unit and the process in which to do so
- Terms and conditions for abandoning goods
- Terms and conditions for units that are in lien status and eligible for auction It is your responsibility to read and understand your lease in its entirety. Should you have questions, never hesitate to ask your Property Manager. They are there to answer questions or concerns that you may have. Effective communication is an essential element in having a great working relationship between you as a Tenant and the storage facility staff as your Landlord.
A good rule to live by: If you are going to read it at all, read IT all.