16 Apr 2021
Originally posted on Sparefoot.
Some self storage contracts spell out terms in plain language while others might leave you utterly confused. It’s smart to brush up on lease agreements before you sign on the dotted line.
“If a manager is doing his or her job, there shouldn’t be any surprises,” said Kelly Epps, property manager at Pioneer Stor & Lok in Columbus, GA, who said she sits down with customers to make sure they understand their lease agreements.
Still, it’s ultimately your responsibility to understand any paperwork you sign.
Here’s a guide to what you should know about self-storage contracts and legalese. Every self-storage rental agreement is different, as terms may vary depending on the laws of the state where the facility is located. All contracts will cover these four key areas:
Every contract for storage space will outline the monthly payment due. It will also describe how payments shall be accepted, such as by check, credit card or online. The contract should include all of the following:
How much you owe for rent: The contract will outline the amount of your rent, your payment due date and the amount of your security deposit.
Every storage facility has its rules, and every contract should spell out exactly what a lessee can do or not do with their storage unit.
Virtually all self storage contracts are month-to-month, however your contract might renew for another if you don’t call to give notice by a certain date each month.
Self storage agreements are a two-way street. Just as a renter as certain rights and responsibilities, so does the storage facility.
Example Self Storage Contracts Template If you want an idea of what a self-storage contract is supposed to look like, check out this blank self-storage rental agreement PDF.
Self Storage Contracts and Legalese Here’s some legal jargon you might encounter in a self-storage contract and what the terms mean in plain language:
Thumbnail: Photo by Scott Graham on Unsplash
