Texas Storage Unit Rules Made Simple
Self-storage is more popular than ever in Texas, whether you’re stashing household goods during a move or keeping business inventory safe. Understanding storage unit policies in Texas helps you avoid surprises, protect your items, and know your rights if rent goes unpaid or rules are broken. Let’s discuss them!
Storage Unit Policies in Texas: Explained
Governing Laws for Self-Storage in Texas
Texas law treats self-storage facilities as secure places where owners can hold a lien on unpaid rent. Two main statutes set the rules:
Texas Property Code Chapter 59
Chapter 59 lays out how liens work, what a “rental agreement” is, and your rights and duties as a tenant or facility owner. It defines terms like “self-service storage facility” and “tenant” and says a lien attaches the moment you place the property in the unit.
Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2303
If you’re storing a car, boat, or other titled vehicle, Chapter 2303 says the storage facility must hold a state license to operate.
Rental Agreements and Tenant Rights
Rental Agreements
Under Chapter 59, a “rental agreement” can be oral or written. In practice, always get a clear, written lease. It should state your rent, access hours, fees, which items are off-limits, and exactly how and when a lien or auction can happen.
Tenant Rights
Access: Your signed lease spells out when you can visit your unit. The facility owner can’t change those hours on a whim.
Privacy: Owners can’t enter your unit unless you agree or in emergencies.
Clean Units: You have the right to a clean, secure facility.
Prohibited Uses and Items
Storage units are for storing property, not for living. Never use your unit as a residence. Commonly banned items include:
Hazardous chemicals or flammables
Perishable food
Illegal substances
Unregistered or infectious biological materials
Your lease should list exactly which items the facility won’t accept.
Lien Rights and Auction Procedures
Lien Rights
If you miss rent or fees, the owner holds a lien on everything inside your unit. This lien comes first before any other claims.
Enforcement Process
Notice of Claim: The owner must send you a written notice detailing what you owe and a warning that your items may be sold if you don’t pay in 14 days.
Posting or Publishing: If you still haven’t paid after 14 days, the facility must post or publish a sale notice.
Public Auction: The sale happens no sooner than 10 days after posting, or 15 days after publication.
Redemption Rights
You can stop a sale by paying your past-due rent plus reasonable expenses before the auction. If items are sold, any extra money over what you owe must be held for you for up to two years.
Insurance and Liability Considerations
Insurance Requirements
Facility owners aren’t required to insure your belongings. Texas law encourages you to verify your homeowner’s or renter’s policy for off-premises coverage—often just 10–20% of your total property limit. If you need more protection, buy a separate self-storage policy.
Liability Limitations
Most leases include a clause limiting the owner’s liability for loss or damage, except in cases of negligence. Read those sections closely.
Rent Increases and Termination Policies
Rent Adjustments
Texas law doesn’t cap how much rent can go up, but landlords must follow the notice procedures in their lease.
Termination of Agreement
Either side can end the lease per the written terms. Owners can evict for non-payment or rule violations, usually after a 15-day notice—but if you never signed a written lease, you must get 30 days.
Protections for Military Members
Under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), active-duty military get extra time before a storage lien sale—through their service and 90 days after—unless a court orders otherwise. Texas law extends these protections to Texas Guard members as well.
Local Ordinances and Additional Regulations
Some Texas cities add rules on zoning, permits, or distances from homes. Always check local codes—like Pharr’s self-storage permit requirements—so you know if special rules apply in your area.
Best Practices for Tenants
Before Renting
Read your lease from top to bottom.
Inspect security: gates, cameras, locks.
During Tenancy
Pay on time to avoid liens.
Keep your contact info current.
Follow all lease rules on storage and guests.
Upon Moving Out
Empty and sweep the unit.
Return all keys and give notice as required.
Conclusion on Storage Unit Policies in Texas
These storage unit policies in Texas arm you with the right questions and precautions. Always read your lease, ask about insurance, and check local ordinances. Happy storing!
Read More Blogs on Storage Units
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the key storage unit policies in Texas that tenants should know?
In Texas, storage unit policies in Texas are governed primarily by the Texas Property Code Chapter 59, which defines your rental agreement, lien rights, and the enforcement process. A “rental agreement” can be oral or written, but it’s best to have a clear, written lease outlining rent amounts, access hours, prohibited items, and how unpaid charges may lead to a lien on your belongings. From the moment you place the property in your unit, the owner has a lien for unpaid rent, subject to the notice and sale procedures detailed in Chapter 59.
2. How do storage unit policies in Texas handle unpaid rent and auctions?
Under storage unit policies in Texas, if you fall behind on rent or fees, the facility owner must follow a strict process before selling your items. First, you receive a written notice stating the amount owed and a warning of a pending sale. If you don’t pay within at least 14 days, the owner can post or publish a sale notice and conduct a public auction of the contents. You retain the right to stop the sale by paying all past-due charges and reasonable expenses before the auction begins.
3. Are storage units taxable in Texas?
Generally, renting space in a self-storage facility in Texas is not subject to sales tax. However, if the unit is used to store a motor vehicle such as a car, boat, or RV, the rental becomes taxable under Texas sales tax law.
4. Can I live in my storage unit in Texas?
No. Texas law expressly prohibits using a self-storage unit as a residence. Section 59.009 of the Texas Property Code states that tenants may not occupy or allow a storage unit to be used for residential purposes. Otherwise, there can be immediate lease termination and possible legal penalties.
5. What happens if my contact information changes while I rent a storage unit?
If you change your phone number, address, or email while renting a storage unit, you must update the facility right away. Storage unit policies often require tenants to keep current contact information on file. If you don’t, you might miss important notices, including those about overdue rent or auctions.