What to expect when renting a self-storage unit. For the purpose of this article we will assume a customer (tenant) has decided to rent a storage unit for a specified price. Identification: Will vary by location most will require photo id, some may require fingerprints, or they might take your picture. Basically, you should be prepared to prove who you are before renting a self storage unit. Lease: In almost all situations when renting a mini storage unit the tenant is required to sign a lease. This lease is almost always month to month. The tenant is usually required to give some sort of notice before vacating could be 5 to 30 days. The lease will also probably provide for the landlord to sell at auction the contents of your unit(s) should you become more than the required days past due. This probably ranges from 45 to 120 days. Lock: With maybe a few exceptions most storage rentals require the tenant to furnish their own lock. The tenant keeps the key(s) and is the only one with access to the unit. The storage facility should not remove your lock unless you are seriously delinquent, instructed to by the tenant or a search warrant. Administrative Fee: This is a one time fee that most self storage businesses will charge. It is a fee to set up your account and complete all the required paperwork to initiate the rental. This fee will vary from around $5 to $25/30. Payment: The tenant is required to pay for the first month’s charges upon signing the lease. Forms of payment generally accepted are: cash, checks, money order and credit cards. Most self storage properties do not charge a security deposit on move-in. After the initial month subsequent monthly rental payments are due in advance. Most self storage operators do not send out invoice’s each month, unless you request (and probably pay) for one. Due Date: Most self storage properties use an anniversary date system. Which means a tenant’s rent is due each month on the date that unit was originally rented. Some may pro-rate the first or second month and the payment will be due each month on the 1st. Payments must be made within the specified (in the lease agreement) time period or the self storage has the right to charge the late fee provided for in the lease agreement. Access: The storage facility will give the tenant either a key card or a â€codeâ€, usually numbers, to access the tenant’s unit. This card or code will allow the mini storage to track when you arrive and when you leave. If you are behind on your payment you may find that your access will be denied, until your account is brought current. Some storage companies may offer 24 hour access, but most will limit it from early morning to late evening. Rate Increases: The landlord (self storage) has the right to raise the rental rate of any unit with the proper notice to the tenant. This will be almost always at least 30 days and different states and leases may require the landlord to provide more notice. Vacating: After giving the proper notice when the tenant is finished with the storage space it is always a good idea to leave the space in the same condition as it was at the time of rental. Most self storage facilities, will not require the tenant to sweep the unit. The tenant should take everything stored on the premises with them upon moving out.
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