The Self Storage Rental Contract

One of the most important things you need to be careful about when renting a self storage unit is the contract or agreement. This is a basic requirement that a renter needs to fulfill before occupying a space at the facility.



Some people are not very particular about this and complain at a later time. But if you take the time to read and understand carefully the terms and conditions involved, you can be sure to avoid problems renting self storage units.

In order to be briefed about a facility's policies, it would be a good idea to gather some sample contracts from several providers you are interested in. This way, you will have a better view of their requirements for renting space. Not all facilities follow the same policy so it's best to know what each requires from their tenants.

Normally, the general contract agreement is straightforward. But you have to remember that the company is also protecting itself hence, it is a must to read the fine print before signing the document.

Be mindful about the payment terms, in particular. There are some facilities that when a renter misses his payments immediately closes down your unit without issuing any notice. Some may access your unit right away and put your items on hold or schedule them for auction.

Keep in mind that when renting, nobody from the staff should have access to your unit. Only an emergency situation can warrant any employee to go inside and move your items. Moving them to another unit to give your prime slot to another renter is an unacceptable thing to do.

If a free vehicle service is being offered, be sure to know the company rules. It's easy to be tempted to avail of a free use of vehicle or equipment which is often offered when you sign a contract with a facility. Who wouldn't want to take advantage of this to move your stuff from your house to the self storage facility? But again, there's something that may be hidden behind this provision.

What you need to be wary of that sometimes, free may not always mean you won't be paying anything. Some facilities may require a deposit which can be refundable or the free service may be for a limited time only. If it's for a specific period of time only, make sure to stay within that time frame otherwise, you'll have to pay additional fees.

You may also be asked to pay for labor fees if you avail of the free vehicle service. As always, you need to really check on what's really included and the actual costs before committing to them.

The insurance aspect is another thing to learn. Many contracts will tell you the importance of having a certain protection for your stored items. The agreement may offer to you the facility's own insurance or its partners. Whatever you choose, make sure to know the rates and the policy is suited for your needs. The basic cover provided by traditional home insurers should be your basis before agreeing to purchase one.