Legal news from industry experts.
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Scott Zucker • 03 Mar 2025
Scott Zucker • 09 Feb 2025
Self-Storage & Data Privacy
Data security in storage isn’t optional—it’s essential. Protect tenant info, comply with privacy laws, & stay ahead with robust security & transparent policies.
Scott Zucker
The Trend In Tenant Terminations
New laws in Georgia and Utah now allow self-storage operators to remove tenant property without court action for non-payment or non-monetary defaults.
Are Self-Storage Operators Responsible For Disclosing Flood Risks To Prospective Tenants?
As climate issues grow, more states require flood risk disclosures in self-storage leases. Transparency is key, with Iowa and New Jersey leading this legal shift.
How Do Impact Fees Affect New Self-Storage Development?
Supreme Court ruling requires impact fees to be proportional to project impact, creating uncertainty for local governments and empowering developers to challenge fees.
What Type of Electronic Contract Should Self-Storage Operators Use?
Ensure your self-storage e-contracts are enforceable. Courts favor scrollwrap and clickwrap for clear user assent. Learn the best practices for digital agreements.
What Self-Storage Operators Need To Know About 'Junk Fee' Laws
Stay compliant with new consumer pricing laws. Learn about disclosure requirements for clear and honest pricing practices.
The Issue of Mold and Mildew in Self-Storage
Discover how to mitigate mold and mildew risks in self-storage units. Learn about climate control limitations, tenant responsibilities, and essential rental agreement provisions.
The Impact of 'Cookie Banners' and Consumer Privacy in Self Storage
Navigate the complexities of privacy laws impacting self-storage operators. Stay compliant with state regulations, implement cookie banners, and update privacy policies for evolving data practices.
The 'Cost' of Litigation
Small claims court now demands self-storage owners hire counsel, favoring tenants. Arbitration hikes costs, making settlements more viable.
Safeguarding Your Investment: Key Insurance Considerations for Self-Storage Facility Owners
When it comes to the self-storage industry, safeguarding your facility against unforeseen risks is crucial to long-term success.
Brett Copper
The Right to Increase Rental Rates in Self Storage
Owners can increase rates with a 30-day notice, giving occupants the choice to vacate or accept the hike.
Are Your Rental Agreements Signed? The Importance of Regular Lease Audits
One of the most important and vital pieces of a self-storage business is the confirmation of the rights and responsibilities of the owner and tenant.
Sale and Disposal Insurance: The Last Line of Defense
An operator is most frequently exposed to potential liability when selling or disposing of a tenant’s property.
J.Ashley Oblinger
Crimes Commited on Facility Property: Who’s Liable?
One of the worst nightmares property owners can face is that of an unknown assailant entering their property and committing a crime against one of their tenants.
Abandoned Property in Self Storage
The abdandonment of stored property is a challenging subject in the self-storage industry.
Hot Legal Topics in Self-Storage
Every day a new issue surfaces that impacts self-storage operations, legal compliance and potential business liability.
To Tow or Not to Tow?
Navigate self-storage towing: defaulted tenant property, state statutes simplify, & authorized vehicle removal requires compliant signage & clear regulations.
What Privacy Exists in Self-Storage Unit?
Discover how self-storage tech is reshaping privacy expectations.
Understanding the Need for Cyber Insurance
Protect your self-storage facility from cyber threats & data breaches. Learn why cyber liability insurance is essential for safeguarding your business & data.
Is Your Self-Storage Property in a Flood Plain?
A key question for self-storage operators to ask is whether their properties are in a flood plain.
Is a Third-Party Management Company a 'Debt Collector' Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) was enacted in 1978 to protect consumers from abuse by debt collectors.
Verified Mail and the Delivery of Lien Notices
Many operators are rightfully confused as to what exactly is “verified mail”.
The ADA and Your Websites
It is important for self-storage operators to understand these guidelines and act to manage the accessibility of their websites.
What Are the Duties of a Tenant at a Self Storage Facility?
What responsibility should a tenant have when they leave their property in a rented storage space?
Protection Plans and Tenant Insurance
Protection plans are not the same as tenant insurance programs. There are crucial distinctions between the two.
Disposal of 'Personal' Information
An operator discovers personal information in a unit as a result of a lien enforcement action or tenant abandonment. Now what?
Managing Client Conduct at Self-Storage Facilities
The role of a [self-storage operator](https://www.radiusplus.com/keyword/self-storage-operator) is a complex one, especially when issues arise concerning the poor conduct of a tenant.
Can Self Storage Operators Make Their Facilities 'Cashless'?
With technology growing in [self storage](https://www.radiusplus.com/keyword/self-storage), is it legal for a facility to only accept [cashless payments](https://www.radiusplus.com/keyword/cashless-payments)?
What Should You Do When You Have an Insured Casualty Loss?
All real estate faces a known risk that may be affected by acts of God. The only way to prevent such a risk is to have insurance.
What Do I Do If My Tenant Files Bankruptcy?
When a [self-storage](https://www.radiusplus.com/keyword/self-storage) owner is informed that a tenant is bankrupt, it is critical that they take all necessary procedures.
Liability Issues Involving Mold
The occurrence of mold in a self-storage space is not uncommon and tenants must be made aware of the risk of this condition prior to storage.
Charitable Giving in Self Storage
Operators who have seen financial growth of their operations have, sought ways to share their success within their communities, especially with those in need.
Social Media and Tenant Disputes
Self-Storage facilities should include confidentiality & non-disparagement clauses in agreements to protect their reputation & avoid poor social media posts.
Cyber Risks and Self Storage
As part of the industry’s growth and expanded use of technology to operate these businesses, self-storage operators are increasingly exposed as the targets of potential litigation, especially in the area of cyber and data liability.
How will the Vaccination Mandate Issue Impact Self Storage Operators?
Learn what Coronavirus vaccine mandates entail for your self-storage business and employees, as well as what to consider if you want to build your own policy.
Should you be using Employment Agreements?
The ever changing Self Storage industry sees many operational changes, these changes impact employees, resulting in the growing need for employment agreements.
The Statutory Option of Towing in Lieu of Lien Sale
The national and state Self Storage Associations succesfully modernized self storage laws to include the options of vehicles towed from the self storage facility.
New Disasters at Self Storage Facilities:Dealing with Hurricanes and Fires
How to deal with the natural disasters which can result in serious damage to facilities and tenants belongings.
What Everyone Needs to Know About Self Storage Contracts
If a manager is doing their job right, there shouldn't be any surprises in a tenant's self storage contracts.
Alexander Harris
Denver Self Storage Practices Examined During Pandemic
Denver news channel 7 found that hundreds of storage units are up for auction as people struggle to pay rent.
Jaclyn Allen
Public Storage Advances Board Refreshment
The company appoints two to its Board of Trustees, and also announces the formation of a long-term planning committee.
The Radius+ Team
Protection for Self Storage Auction Buyers
The only way to make the lien process work is to create a shield from liability for the participants of the sale.
Lawmakers Bid to Halt Auctions of New York City Storage During Pandemic
A new state bill could stop auctions in New York during the COVID-19-spurred economic crisis.
Rosa Goldensohn
What are a Landlord's Obligations to its Tenants During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Learn how to protect your self storage business from legal action, before it might be too late.
SmartStop Asset Management Reaches Settlement, Customers Continue to be Protected
During the summer of 2019, SmartStop was unknowingly offering storage insurance without proper licensing.
Should You Charge Credit Card Fees for Your Self Storage Tenants?
Does your facility redeem credit card fees on tenant transactions?
Getting Paid Under the Visa/Mastercard Class Action Settlement
The lawsuit claim window spans from 2004 to 2019, so you're likely eligible to claim some moola.
Is Contact-less Self Storage Legal?
Recently, new tech has been installed in abundance at facilities across the country. Is it legal?
Re-Opening Your Self Storage Business During COVID-19
Maybe you never closed? Here's how to pivot to best protect your self storage business.
Restructuring Opportunities for Small Businesses in Response to the Pandemic
What options could owners and operators consider in the midst of an economic down-turn?
Storage Auctions Take Pause as Coronavirus Rages on
Many storage operators are opting not to pursue late fees as laws and social courtesy relax.
LA’s Eviction Moratorium Could Expand to Self Storage Units
Residential and commercial evictions have already been paused, is self storage next?
Extra Space Storage Named One Of The Best Places To Work In 2020
The company's 4,000+ employees are to thank for the award, which pulls reviews from employees themselves.
You Still Can't Build Large Self Storage Facilities In This Wisconsin Town
Where we might typically see a cap on the number of facilities, here we find a cap on the number of units.
John Egan
When a Tornado Damages Your Self-Storage Unit, are Your Rights Blown Away?
Do both landlords and tenants agree to share the risk? Cleve Clinton explains.
Cleve Clinton
Self Storage Owner Caught In Price Gouging Case
Prosecutors said PS Orangeco increased rates for its storage facilities by more than 10% after 2017 CA wildfires.
The Problems with Deferred Maintenance In Self Storage
Operators need to invest in their properties if for no other reason than to prevent injuries to their customers.
Its a Bird! Is a Plane! Nope Its Hail Hitting Your Self Storage Facility
It is important for self storage owners to understand the insurance coverage they have, to mitigate damage costs.
Environmental Assessments for Self Storage Development & Conversions
When purchasing a self storage facility you'll need to perform an investigation of the property. Let's learn how.
You've Got Mail: Bringing the Self Storage Industry Into The 21st Century
For those in New York, it might be smart to review occupancy agreements given potential for new electronic changes.
Patrick Quigley
The Secrets Behind a Successful Storage Auction Online Lien Sale
Yes it's true, delinquent tenants exist. Heres how to successfully hold an online auction.
Madison Martin
What Implied Warranties Exist with Self Storage Units?
Self storage warranties vary pretty drastically from other real estate warranties, so it's often worth understanding.
An Update on Arbitration Law in the United States
The enforceability of arbitration and class action waiver provisions remains under constant attack.
Brush Up Your Legal Lingo: An Update on I-9s and E-Verify
All US employers must have a valid and complete Form I-9 for their employees, whether a citizen or a non-citizen.
Don't Sue the Self Storage Auction Bidder
A good faith purchaser is someone who buys without notice of any other party's claim to the title of that property.
Enhance Your Facility's Accessibility Through ADA Guidelines
Measures taken to remove barriers should enhance usability of the public accommodation to those with disabilities.
Get Registered! With Your Name and Logo, That Is
If the domain name you choose conflicts with business names of other companies, you may be forced to give it up.
Florida Leads the Country with ADA Lawsuits
Florida has been one of the busiest states when it comes to ADA lawsuits.