You might've
never even thought that a self-storage eviction was a thing, but it is. Just
like a tenant can disobey the rental guidelines of their apartment, the same
rules may be applied upon a self-storage paying tenant. As a paying tenant, you
are renting out a space that someone else owns. Therefore, it is of great
importance to comply with the rental agreement of the self-storage facility you
are using. Otherwise, the manager of the self-storage facility does have the
power to terminate your lease altogether.
When signing
the lease for your self-storage space, you must pay close attention to the
rules and guidelines of it. Therefore, keep reading to learn more about what
not to do and how to avoid a storage eviction. The main tips we will review
below include being aware of store hours, respecting the storage operator or
manager and the space being rented, and paying the monthly fee on time.
What
is Self-Storage Eviction
An eviction
from a storage space may vary from one storage facility to the next; however,
most lease agreements will abide by similar guidelines. Most of the tenants’
leases are based on a month-to-month kind of basis. This leaves an open space
for both the paying tenant and the storage manager in case either wants an out
strategy. What are possible situations or breakage of guidelines that might
bring a storage manager to an eviction decision?
In general,
any or all violations of the agreement consequently allows the storage manager
to terminate the lease agreement, or more commonly known as, to evict one from
the premises. The lease agreement should act as a guide for which rules must be
followed. Generally, there is usually a warning made clear to the paying
tenant. This is followed by an explanation of their violation which brought
them to the point of eviction.
"Read your storage rental agreement
before signing it. This gives you an awareness of how the facility operates its
business, and whether it fits your needs."
Agreement
Violations
In definition,
a violation of the agreement is a breakage of terms that may and does
carry consequences. As we've mentioned above, to avoid an eviction,
perhaps don't do the examples listed. Most storage facilities will have their
work hours known and posted either at the facility or on their website. It's
important to be aware of the working hours to know when you can use the storage
unit you are renting. Disrespecting the hours of work can place the employees
in an uncomfortable situation, and could mess up the schedule
altogether. By respecting the hours of operation, you are also respecting the
facility and the storage manager. Any misbehavior towards either could cause an
eviction.
Also, respect for
the storage facility and rental unit is essential. As a paying tenant, you are
currently renting this space but you do not own it. It's crucial to
respect what you can do within your unit and what you cannot. For example,
someone who disrespects the size of the space and is hoarding items that are
causing overcrowding of things is in violation. Therefore, be conscious of the
space you are paying for and its surroundings.
Also, there is
a way to pack your items
efficiently! Learn the tips and
tricks so that you can efficiently fit your items within the space you are
renting.
"Stay organized. Keep your storage unit
organized and your finances too. Respect the space you are renting and stay on
a timely schedule with your monthly payments."
Within the storage facility, as a paying
tenant, one of your obligations is to pay a monthly rental fee. Resistance to
pay on time or complete avoidance of the fee as a whole is a breach within your
signed agreement. Keep up with your regular payments, and stay consistent to
avoid any issues in the future.
Remember, as the tenant or renter of the
storage facility’s unit, you are responsible to follow the rules and guidelines
set forth in your lease agreement. Additionally, you are also responsible for
any guests or other persons you allow to enter on to the storage facility’s
property. Their bad behavior can cause you to pay the penalty.
Storage
Manager Role
The manager in
charge of a storage facility does have the power to evict a paying tenant. This
is true if the tenant happens to be violating their agreement. They can provide
the tenant with an eviction notice and provide them with a time within which
the tenant must leave the premises along with their items. The storage manager
is responsible for ensuring that any evasive action taken from their side
is just and has proof of a breach in the tenant's agreement. If so, they are allowed to present suitable eviction
documents about the particular infringement. Like any landlord of a
space within a building or facility, the storage manager has a very important
role and a responsibility to the partners or owners. Abide by the facility's
guidelines and avoiding an eviction should be straight-forward.
Have a professional relationship with the
storage manager. Keep in mind, their job is to make the facility successful, not evict tenants. It's one of the last things a manager want to deal with in his daily duties. Respect is a two-way street, therefore ensure that you abide
by their guidelines. You are technically renting out space they are in charge
of, therefore be aware of it 24/7. This is a business relationship. Stay on
track with the responsibilities on your end, keep your self-storage unit and
avoid eviction.
Eviction and Self Storage 101
If you happen
to have gotten evicted from your storage unit, you have two options.
If you were in clear violation of your agreement, then you should
respect the eviction notice and evacuate from the storage unit and facility.
However, if there is some discrepancy between your alleged
violation and your previous agreement, you can take other actions. If
you happen to have not been in the wrong, if you want to, you can take
your eviction notice to the court. Furthermore, if you have the time, the
resources and proper proof, you are set. You would then have enough to try and
prove you did not violate your agreement. All in all, you must be aware of
the facility's rental
guidelines and your actions at all times.
Now that we
have gone through the dos and don'ts of self-storage evictions, you have the
necessary information to proceed. The tips we discussed throughout this text
should help you stay on track.