Keeping your firearms in a self-storage facility may seem like a good idea, especially if you are concerned about having them around your home. Limited space, small children, and nervous spouses are all good reasons to keep your guns elsewhere, as long as it is safe and legal to do so. So, can you store guns in a storage unit in Texas?
Can You Keep Your Firearms in a Storage Unit?
Legally, you can store guns in a storage unit in Texas. However, there may be factors that prevent you from doing so, or that cause you to second guess whether it is a good idea. Before deciding, do as much research as you can so you can make the right decision. Here is some information to get you started.
Texas Law
There are no specific Texas laws that prohibit storing guns in a self-storage unit. However, you must adhere to regulations regarding the safe and secure storage of firearms in order to prevent access by unauthorized people.
Federal Law
Like Texas law, Federal laws allow you to store your guns in storage units, as long as you do so safely and securely. That means you need to restrict access to people who have no business handling your firearms.
Local Ordinances
Municipalities vary in their stance on firearm storage, so you’ll have to do a little digging to make sure you comply. Local laws may dictate how and where you may store your guns.
Lease Agreements
Your lease agreement may ultimately determine whether you can store your gun in a storage unit. Most self-storage facilities have very specific language in the rental agreements for potentially dangerous items such as firearms.
Make sure you thoroughly understand your facilities’ policies on storing firearms before you bring them on the premises. You’ll also want to look into their liability policies on guns, as there could be wording in your lease that limits their responsibility in the case of theft or loss.
Safety and Security
If you decide to store your gun in a storage unit, you’ll want to make sure you keep them secure. By doing so, not only do you stay in line with state and federal laws, but you also gain some peace of mind knowing that your firearms are safe when kept away from your home.
Some things you may consider:
- Do not leave firearms in visible or easily accessible areas. Instead, choose a concealed location in your storage unit.
- Use a locked gun safe to keep them secure, in case someone breaks into your storage unit.
- Use trigger locks on applicable firearms.
- Store ammunition separately from your firearms in secure, airtight containers.
- Keep ammunition in a fire-resistant container in case of accidents.
- Review any insurance policies that protect your rental unit and your firearms to make sure you are in compliance.
We started out by asking if you can store firearms in a self-storage unit, but another question is just as important: Should you? The answer is personal.
Can You Store Guns in a Storage Unit?
If you decide it makes sense for you to store your guns in a storage unit, be sure you comply with any local ordinances as well as the terms of your lease agreement. Most importantly, make sure you store them safely and securely, as mandated by both Texas and Federal laws. If you have further questions, contact us at Boat Stop Storage. We can help you navigate your storage needs.