What is Storage Rental Agreement Drafting?
A storage rental agreement is a legal contract signed by a storage provider and a renter or customer. It specifies how the customer can rent the storage unit or space, and should include terms related to monthly payments, authorized uses, and more.
By ensuring all terms in the agreement are clear and accurately outline parties’ duties, this goes a long way to prevent disputes.
Read the rest of this article to explore key terms to include in a storage rental agreement, how to draft it accurately, and when you should hire a qualified lawyer to draft your agreement for you.
What Key Terms are in a Storage Rental Agreement?
A storage rental agreement usually includes the following essential terms:
- Storage space. Identify the storage location, such as with a unit number, so it’s clear exactly where the renter’s goods will be stored.
- Payment terms. The agreement should specify the monthly rental rate and if a security deposit is required. Include payment deadlines and methods.
- Duration. How long the storage rental lease will last must be stated, with an effective start date.
- Uses. Outline how the storage space can be used and include what activities aren’t permitted, such as storing hazardous items.
- Access. Mention how the space can be accessed, such as the facility’s hours of operation, and state authorized keyholders who are allowed to use the space.
- Default. Explain how late payments are handled and if the storage facility can deny the tenant access in the case of non-payment.
- Limitation of liability. State that the facility operator is not responsible for certain losses or damage.
- Dispute resolution. If parties disagree on terms, the agreement should explain how they can resolve conflict, such as via mediation or arbitration.
How Do You Draft a Storage Rental Agreement?
When drafting a storage rental agreement, there is additional information to include once you’ve established its key terms.
Establish all Payments and Fees
Be as detailed as possible about what payments are required. You should include the storage rental amount, payment due dates, and deposit amounts. Mention additional fees to prevent surprise costs, such as admin charges.
Address Storage Space Access
For ease of use, your agreement must explain exactly when and how the customer can access the storage unit. Mention access hours and any keys or access cards that are required. Any security processes should also be explained.
Clarify Responsibility
To protect your interests, the agreement must specify that the renter takes responsibility for their items being stored. Here it’s worth explaining if the storage provider takes any responsibility for losses or damage.
Consider Storage Rental Space Maintenance
Your agreement should state which party is responsible for unit maintenance, as well as who will pay for repairs. By clarifying this at the start of the relationship, parties can prevent disputes.
Cover Default Provisions
If the renter doesn’t pay rent on time, the agreement should explain what happens. This section should explain notice requirements and termination rights to protect the storage provider’s interests.
For clarity, it’s worth explaining how property left behind in the storage unit is handled, such as how much notice must be given before it can be removed.
Provide a Move-Out Process
The storage rental agreement can benefit from having a clear move-out procedure. This should indicate how much notice is required before a move out, what condition the unit must be in during a move out, and if there are any cleaning duties to be fulfilled.
Should You Hire a Lawyer to Draft a Storage Rental Agreement?
While you might not think you need to hire a lawyer to draft your storage rental agreement, it’s beneficial, especially if you’ve never drafted a legal contract before or your agreement involves significant commercial storage or liability concerns.
A lawyer can help you in various ways during the drafting of your contract, such as by:
- Defining the parties and premises so that there’s no confusion.
- Fairly allocating responsibility for loss and other damages.
- Considering insurance and liability provisions to protect both parties’ interests.
- Complying with local laws and rental arrangements. They’ll establish legal procedures for situations such as non-payment and abandoned storage units.
- Protecting storage providers against unauthorized use that can harm their business.
- Establishing clear access and security provisions so that you reduce your risks.
- Reviewing a storage rental agreement you’ve drafted, which will give you peace of mind that it’s clear, balanced, and adequately protects your interests.
Where to Find a Lawyer for Storage Rental Agreement Drafting
You might have decided to hire a lawyer to draft a storage rental agreement, but you might not know where to find one who has the appropriate contract-drafting and review experience. By using an online legal platform like ContractsCounsel, searching for and finding the right lawyer is a smooth process.
ContractsCounsel is one of the largest online legal marketplaces that gives you access to a network of vetted lawyers in your area. Since all lawyers on the platform have years of experience in contract drafting and review, they are well positioned to help you.
Here are the steps to follow if you need to hire a lawyer to draft a storage rental agreement:
- Go to the ContractsCounsel marketplace, where it’s free to post your request or project.
- Include some information about what you require to help you find the most suitable lawyer.
- Receive multiple bids from lawyers on the platform who have the experience to help you.
- Review the lawyers’ profiles. Before selecting a lawyer, go through the platform’s lawyer data, such as their location, client ratings for previous projects, expertise, and credentials.
- Connect with a lawyer you think is best suited to your requirements and hire them to draft your storage rental agreement for a flat fee. They can also review your storage rental agreement, if required.