Renting a storage unit or storage space – agreements, liability, and insurance

Short answer: A contract for storage or a storage space should describe exactly which space is being leased, the lease term, the fee, access, what may be stored, security, insurance, and liability. If the lease concerns a space in a building in exchange for payment, the rules on commercial leases may become relevant.

Lease or pure storage service?

If the customer is provided with a specific storage unit or space in a building for their own use, this points to a commercial lease. If, instead, the provider takes care of the property as a service without the customer having control over a specific space, the legal assessment may be different.

What should the agreement contain?

• the address, number, and size of the space
• lease term and termination
• fee, deposit, and price changes
• opening hours and access rules
• keys, codes, and access systems
• what may not be stored, for example, flammable or illegal goods
• temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions
• insurance and liability in case of theft, fire, or water damage
• actions in case of non-payment and abandoned property

Insurance

The tenant should check whether their home or business insurance covers property in an external storage unit and what security requirements apply. The landlord's property insurance does not automatically mean that the customer's property is insured.

Access and security

Regulate when the landlord may enter the space, for example in case of acute risk, inspection, or maintenance. The agreement should also specify responsibility for locks, tags, and any camera surveillance.

Common mistakes

• insurance liability is unclear
• hazardous substances and prohibited goods are not regulated
• there is no procedure for abandoned property
• price changes and notice periods are unclear
• the customer believes that the landlord insures the contents

See the Template Store's template for a storage space lease agreement.

FAQ

Does the storage tenant have security of tenure?

If the agreement is legally a commercial lease, rules regarding indirect security of tenure may become relevant after the time specified in the Land Code. The assessment depends on the arrangement.

Who is responsible in case of theft?

It depends on the cause, the agreement, and the insurance terms. The parties should not assume that the other party automatically bears the full risk.

Can the landlord throw away abandoned property?

No, abandoned property needs to be handled according to applicable rules and the agreement. Avoid self-help without legal oversight.

This article provides general information and does not replace legal advice.