Looking over your rental documentation and self storage lease agreement at first can be very intimidating, but it is important to make sure that you understand what you are signing. Our knowledgeable property managers can always help and explain things in person and over the phone, but here is a brief overview of the rental agreement to get you started.
New to self storage? Read the basics here.
Self Storage Lease Agreement – The Importance of Contact Information
The first section of the rental agreement covers all your contact information, such as name, address, phone number, etc. It is important to ensure all the information was entered correctly in this section to prevent future issues if or when the property manager needs to reach you for any reason. This section is also the part of the rental agreement you will use when registering your account online. All of this information that is used to create an online account must match your rental agreement exactly. Once you have created your online account, you can make payments, update your credit card information, etc. at any time.
Unit Information – Used for Insurance
The next portion of your rental agreement covers the storage unit information. It shows you a breakdown of your monthly payments, including the storage rent and third-party insurance, and also shows the total that is due by the first of each month. This section includes your storage unit number and size as well.
The Rules
The next section of your rental agreement covers all the rules, due dates, late fees, etc. The first portion explains the monthly storage rent and all the possible fees. You can see how late payment fees are calculated, which can be helpful if you are ever going to be late with your payment (we understand that things come up sometimes and being late may be unavoidable). It also shows the fees for additional services such as cutting your lock and disposal and cleaning fees.
Let’s move on to the detailed text description Sections 1-23. These start off with the rules and regulations regarding locks and insurance. Please note that Moove In Self Storage requires there be a lock and insurance on every storage unit at all times. Understanding what type of lock to use and why the company requires insurance is all located in Sections 2-5.
What You Can Keep Safely In Your Unit
Wondering what is okay to keep inside your storage unit, and what is not? Check out Section 6. In this section of the rental agreement, it breaks down what is permitted and what is not permitted inside any storage unit or on the property at any time. For example, you are not permitted to store anything perishable in the unit; such as food or live plants. If you have something that you are unsure fits the permittable items, Section 6 explains this in detail.
If you are still not sure after reading this section, you can always contact your property manager and ask him or her about the items in question as well. It is best to be sure before you move. This rule is in place to help prevent pests from entering your unit, your neighbor’s unit or anywhere on the property – which no one wants to happen. We all know how destructive pests can be, so let’s work together and avoid them by following the rules that are in place.
Self Storage Lease Agreements While Moving – Address Documentation
Now for section 11, we cover what is involved with changing your address. This one is more important than most people realize. Most people using storage are using it because they are in the process of moving. It is very important to keep the correct address on file with your property manager so you can receive certain correspondence regarding your storage unit. In order to change your address, the company must have your written signature on file. We cannot change your address over the phone or through email. If you are living out of state, call your property manager to go over your options. This process is in place for your protection and to prevent someone else from changing your address without your knowledge.
Vacating Your Unit
The last and final sections of the rental agreement talk about the process of vacating your storage unit. Section 17 explains the vacating procedures in detail. This part of the rental agreement is important when you are done using storage and ready to move out. This section states that we require you to give seven days written notice to the property manager. This allows the property manager to go over the vacating procedure with you before you move out. We want your move out to go smoothly, including the closing of your account upon your last day with us to prevent future charges from being accrued.
Recap: Self Storage Lease Agreement Details
We understand that rental agreement terms can be very confusing. Our property managers are well trained on our rental agreement! They know what each section means, so they can help you understand more clearly if you have questions.
If you still have questions about your rental agreement, contact your property manager at any time to get an explanation. We wish you the best of luck while you are storing with us!