Being a self storage facility owner comes with challenges, including tenants living in storage units. While most people use storage spaces appropriately, some attempt to bypass housing costs by moving into a unit. This misuse creates safety hazards, disrupts other tenants, and violates lease agreements.
At HOLD Self Storage, we ensure that all units remain compliant by addressing issues like these promptly and professionally.
The self storage industry has evolved significantly since its inception in the 1960s, but the core purpose remains the same: providing a secure place to store items, not for habitation.
When tenants cross this boundary, it’s crucial to follow a legal eviction process that protects your property and ensures everyone’s well being.
Why you need to act quickly
Addressing a tenant living in a storage unit promptly prevents escalating issues. Allowing someone to live on-site creates safety hazards such as poor ventilation, fire risks, and sanitation problems. These risks not only endanger the individual but also affect other tenants.
Ignoring the issue may also lead to legal consequences for the storage facility owner, including fines or lawsuits.
By acting swiftly, you protect your business and maintain a professional reputation. Issue a termination notice as soon as you notice signs of a lease violation.
If the tenant refuses to comply, initiate the eviction process. Quick action ensures the situation doesn’t harm your facility or compromise rent collection.
Identifying the warning signs
Spotting early signs of unauthorised living in a storage unit allows you to act before problems escalate. Look for items like bedding, furniture, or personal hygiene products.
Pay attention to unusual activity, such as tenants accessing units after hours or using extension cords. Review surveillance footage or gate access logs to confirm your suspicions.
If you discover a tenant living on-site, gather evidence immediately. Document suspicious activity, take photos, and record overdue rent patterns.
These records will support your case during the eviction process. Once you confirm the lease violation, notify the tenant and start the proper eviction procedures.
Following legal guidelines
To evict tenants legally, follow the guidelines set by your local and state laws. As a storage facility owner, you must understand these laws to ensure compliance. Draft clear lease agreements that outline storage unit policies, including prohibiting residential use.
When tenants breach these terms, provide proper notice and follow through with a termination notice.
If the tenant refuses to vacate, file an eviction lawsuit and prepare for a court hearing. Present evidence of the lease violation, including documentation of unpaid rent and attempts to resolve the issue.
With a court order, you can regain control of the unit and evict the tenant lawfully. Adhering to legal standards protects your facility and prevents further complications.
Steps in the eviction process
Evicting someone living in a storage unit requires a methodical approach:
Gather evidence – Document all signs of living in the unit, including photos, surveillance footage, and gate access logs.
Issue proper notice – Notify the tenant of the lease violation and give them a chance to correct the issue.
Provide a termination notice – If the tenant doesn’t comply, issue a termination notice that outlines the eviction process and consequences.
Pursue legal action – File an eviction lawsuit if necessary and prepare for a court hearing. Present evidence to secure a court order for eviction.
By following these steps, you maintain compliance and ensure a smooth eviction process.
How to prevent future issues
Prevent unauthorised living in your storage facility by implementing preventative measures. Screen tenants thoroughly during the application process to identify potential risks.
Emphasise your storage policies during lease signings and explain that living in units is prohibited. Regularly inspect units and monitor gate access logs for unusual activity.
Address overdue rent immediately to discourage non payment patterns that may lead to misuse of the unit. Clearly outline penalties for lease violations, including late fees and immediate eviction.
These proactive steps protect your facility, ensuring it remains safe and compliant.
Handling tenant belongings
During the eviction process, follow legal guidelines when managing tenant belongings. Most state laws require you to provide notice before disposing of property. If unpaid rent remains unresolved, you can proceed with an auction process after issuing a final notice.
Document every step, including notices sent and attempts to contact the tenant. This protects you from disputes or claims of improper conduct. Encourage tenants to retrieve their belongings to avoid additional fees or escalation.
If the tenant remains unresponsive, proceed with the auction as outlined in your lease agreement.
Communication and documentation
Clear communication and thorough documentation are critical during an eviction. Inform the tenant of their lease violation through written notices, and maintain a record of all communications.
Include details like payment reminders, warnings, and termination notices in your documentation.
Take photos, record dates, and gather witness statements to support your case if legal action becomes necessary. This evidence ensures you can demonstrate compliance with the eviction process and resolve disputes efficiently.
Good communication also reassures other tenants that your facility is well managed.
Practical tips for rent collection
Effective rent collection prevents many tenant issues, including unauthorised living in storage units. Offer flexible payment options, such as direct debit, online portals, or in-person payments, to make it easy for tenants to pay rent on time.
Send reminders immediately when payments are late and explain potential consequences like late fees or eviction.
If tenants struggle with non payment, consider discussing a payment plan to resolve the issue amicably. Address overdue rent promptly to discourage prolonged misuse of the unit.
Consistent rent collection practices help you maintain financial stability while reducing the risk of lease violations.
Re-renting the unit
Once you’ve evicted a tenant, prepare the unit for re-renting. Clean and inspect the space thoroughly, repairing any damage left behind. Update your listings to emphasise your facility’s policies, including no residential use.
After completing any necessary maintenance, photograph the empty unit for documentation and insurance purposes. This creates a baseline condition record before your next tenant moves in and helps protect your facility against future claims of pre-existing damage.
Final thoughts
Evicting someone living in a storage unit requires quick action, adherence to legal guidelines, and clear communication. By following a structured eviction process, you protect your business and provide a safe environment for all tenants. Preventative measures like tenant screening, proactive rent collection, and regular inspections minimise the chances of facing similar issues in the future.
At HOLD Self Storage, we remain committed to maintaining high standards and ensuring our facilities serve their intended purpose.
With a thoughtful, professional approach, you can manage lease violations effectively and uphold the integrity of your storage business.
Experience secure, stress-free storage today!
If you’re facing the fallout of an eviction or simply need a safe haven for your prized possessions, we provide reliable self storage solutions and transparent payment guidelines that help you sidestep eviction-related headaches.
Our state-of-the-art Kings Cross facility offers units in a range of sizes, along with convenient amenities and services that accommodate every storage need. We designed our policies to reduce your financial risks and keep your property secure.
Contact us for a free quote and discover how we maintain a stress-free, eviction-free environment in our self storage facility!
Frequently asked questions
Can I live in a storage unit at HOLD Self Storage?
Living in a storage unit is a direct lease violation and is strictly prohibited. Our self storage facility is intended for storing items only and is not designed to support personal hygiene, safe ventilation, or residential utilities.
How should I handle overdue rent at HOLD Self Storage?
If you’re struggling with late payments, contact us right away so we can discuss rent collection options. We’d rather help you resolve non payment issues than see you lose access to your stored belongings.
Will HOLD Self Storage dispose of my tenant's belongings without warning?
We always send a termination notice or final notice before taking any steps to remove a tenant’s belongings. Our priority is to give self storage tenants proper time to remedy unpaid rent and retrieve property in accordance with state’s laws.
What if a tenant refuses to leave a self storage unit I rented out?
Always review your lease agreement and provide proper documentation of the breach. If the tenant refuses to comply, issuing a formal termination notice and seeking professional legal counsel is often the best course of action to evict tenants in line with the storage unit eviction process.
Does HOLD Self Storage offer moving and packing supplies?
Yes, we do, and we even have our own box shop for your convenience. You’ll find various packing materials that will help you organise your tenant’s belongings or your own property safely and securely.
