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f you are about to start renting storage units, it’s important to understand the storage renting contracts carefully. If you are the one looking for a place to store your items, it’s essential to understand the storage rental disclaimers, since they decide on the type of services, fees, working hours, safety, etc. And as a property owner, having a clear contract can protect you from all the different issues and situations you may come across. That’s why we created a simple guideline to the usual storage rental disclaimers to help you understand the contracts and how to make the best use of them.

Accessibility

When preparing a storage rental agreement, the property owner should clearly state the disclaimer regarding the working hours of the facility and unit accessibility. Most of the storage units are open all year round, but not 24/7. There are common working hours – from 10 am to 6 pm. So, depending on the items the user stores, and how often the user needs to store, the user should choose the appropriate storage unit.

Rates and fees

It is one of the most important parts of the storage rental agreements. Most of the storage rental contracts propose payments monthly, where rent is paid at the beginning of each month. Also, some include paying the deposit first. What if the payment is delayed? Well, the usual storage rental disclaimers say that in case that happens, the renter is allowed to charge an additional fee. This means the occupant should pay the late rent and the additional amount for the late fees.

"Make sure your tenants are aware of the actions you can take in case of late payments."

The other usual storage rental disclaimer is the rent change. In most of the contracts, the property owner is allowed to change the rent amount, and also change some other terms in the contract. However, this should be done with a notice – at least a month before the changes take place.

Usual storage rental disclaimers regarding their use

When it comes to the terms and conditions related to the way the occupant uses the unit, there are usual storage rental rules the property owners should know about and inform their tenants. Generally, the rules are about certain types of items that are forbidden to store in the unit. These include:

  • Hazardous materials and liquids
  • Paints
  • Batteries
  • Lamp oil
  • Chemicals of different kinds
  • Matches, etc.

Anything that could potentially cause danger to your property. Also, it’s forbidden to use the storage unit as a residence – as well as store live animals. So, when an occupant tries living in or working from one of your storage units, you can start the eviction process and charge additional fees.

Responsibility

The responsibilities related to the facility and the user of the unit. The agreements generally don’t imply or say that the property owner has any responsibility for the things that are stored inside of a unit. If any damage happens to the items that are not properly stored or packed, the facility has no responsibility for it. So, the person who rents the unit should be aware of this disclaimer – they are responsible for the condition of their items.

Storage owner rights

Another part of usual storage rental disclaimers is about the rights the owner has, which are often a cause of disagreement with the people who rent the units from them. In most of the contracts, the property owners are allowed to enter the units – in certain conditions. These situations often include the repairs, both unexpected ones, and others that should be announced in advance.

"Don’t wait for the tenant to enter the unit if something is urgent – you’re allowed to do it!"

Furthermore, disclaimers often state that the property owner can lock the renter out – but in clearly stated and specified conditions.

Termination of the rental agreement

Both the landlord and the tenant are allowed to cancel the agreement, with a 30 days notice. So, if any of the sides wish to do it, they will have to send the proper notice to the other party.

Indemnification

Having the right of indemnification protects the owner from any lawsuits that might happen against the person who rents the unit. If that’s not the case, the property owner can be sued for something that those who rent that property did. That’s why landlords should protect themselves from these problematic situations by using one of these common storage rental disclaimers.

"Be sure to include the clause of indemnity as one of the disclaimers, to protect yourself and your property in case the tenant gets sued."
Picking up items after the end of the agreement

The end of the contract brings some rental disclaimers as well. Most commonly, this refers to the time until the owner of the item should remove them from the facility. It is important in case you, as the property owner, need to deal with abandoned storage units. Most of the time, if the pick-up of the items doesn’t happen in a specified timeframe, the owner of the property becomes the owner of the items inside, as well.

"An abandonment form will protect you when a tenant leaves their items behind, so be sure to include it in the agreement."
The landlord is not responsible for the injuries and damages

…only if they happen as a result of an accident or some unexpected situation. In that case, the landlord releases liability and is not responsible for the damage. The responsibility takes place only if the problem happens due to the landlords’ poor maintenance and care of the unit. The same happens during the move – the moving companies are not responsible if your items are damaged due to the poor packaging. That’s why letting them handle the packing and transport is key to a stress-free relocation.

In the end

The contract should protect both sides. That’s why it’s important to prepare and state clearly all the disclaimers that can protect you as the landlord, as well as your property. Dealing with different tenants can be tough, and you may find yourself adapting the contract over and over. But don’t worry – once you find the simplest, yet safest option, you can have a positive experience with all your clients.

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