Legal Issues

One of the most important aspects of your self-storage operation is the rental agreement. It not only binds the customer to certain stipulations—rent, late fees, move-out, trash, etc.—but can protect your business in case of a lawsuit. When was the last time you reviewed your rental agreement? Also, do you understand what all the terms in the document mean?    The ...

One of the many challenges facing self-storage owners and operators is the ever-present risk of a person being injured on the premises. Because there are numerous ways for people to get hurt, management of this risk can seem daunting. It’s commonly understood that anyone who has control over property open to customers or the public should eliminate, or warn against, ...

The self-storage industry recently suffered another high-dollar wrongful-sale verdict in the case of Dubey v. Public Storage, the third lien-sale case in a year with a notable verdict or high award.  It’s time to conclude that lien sales, if not done properly, pose a huge risk of exposure to your business, both financially and from a consumer-relations standpoint. If you ...

Selling or disposing of the stored belongings of a delinquent tenant is one of those responsibilities no self-storage owner enjoys. It’s also an action fraught with potential liability if you fail to do it according to the law. All property is not created equal, and you may need to take special precautions when dealing with vehicles or other titled items.Know ...

To some, self-storage is an expected expense, like a utility bill, a necessary and routine cost of running a household or a business. To others, it’s unexpected, the need to store property as the result of a sudden crisis—a marital separation, foreclosure, relocation or natural disaster. Whether the use is temporary or long term, self-storage is a solution to a ...