Self-storage units play an important role for many Texans, especially those who need to store boats and recreational vehicles over the winter or for long periods of time. These units come with a monthly expense that renters must work into their budgets, and unexpected cost increases can cause confusion and stress. If you are such a renter, it is smart to familiarize yourself with storage unit rent increase laws in Texas.
Landlords must adhere to specific legal requirements when they increase your rent, and it is important to know your rights. Every storage facility needs to increase rent from time to time. The good ones do it with transparency and respect for both their tenants and the law.
The Texas Storage Facility Act
The Texas Storage Facility Act (TSFA) is Chapter 59 of the Texas Property Code, and it provides the legal framework for the management of all Texas self-storage facilities. While it does not specifically address rent increases at the time of this writing, it establishes guidelines both lessors and tenants must follow regarding rental agreements.
Under the TSFA, lessors can place a lien over all property in your storage unit. However, they may only seek to enforce that lien if you fail to meet your obligations under your rental agreement. Understanding the TSFA is important for both tenants and landlords in order to stay in compliance and avoid legal issues.
Rent Increase Procedures Under the TSFA
Obviously, failing to make your payments and opening the door for your landlord to obtain a court order and seize your property is the last thing you want. Your rental agreement is the key to making sure that doesn’t happen.
This is the key document that will dictate the terms of any rent increases you might incur. While the TSFA does not make any assurance regarding changes in rent, it does demand landlords stick to the terms of their lease.
Most storage unit leases go month-to-month; for others, you may sign for a year. To protect your rights—and your stuff — read and understand what you are signing before you enter into your lease agreement. If you don’t understand it, or if the terms of a rent increase aren’t clear, ask your landlord for an explanation before signing.
Can Storage Units Increase Rent Without Notice?
While Texas law does not speak to any required notice prior to a rent increase, once again, it requires landlords to adhere to the lease agreement. If you take the time to read and understand your lease, there should be no unforeseen increases. Typically, rental agreements will outline the number of days your landlord must give as prior notice before a rent increase.
How Much Can Storage Units Increase Rent?
Under Texas state law, there is no limit to how much storage unit landlords may increase rent. While this might seem like a hazy loophole that puts the tenant at risk, it is not in a landlord’s interest to jack up the rent in a way that might lead to disputes or legal action. Smart landlords back up rent increases with documentation and are prepared to explain the reason behind the change to the renter.
How Self-Storage Renters Can Protect Their Rights
While the Texas Storage Facility Act sets a good baseline for both storage-unit renters’ and lessor’s rights, as you can see, it doesn’t spell out solutions for many of the issues that worry people the most. It is up to you to protect yourself, your finances, and your belongings.
Here are a few things to think about:
Review and Understand Your Lease Terms and Conditions
This is the single most important thing you can do to make sure you aren’t blindsided by unexpected rent increases. Your lease should outline the terms of any rent increases. If it doesn’t, or if you don’t understand the language, seek clarification from your landlord before you sign. If you don’t like the terms, find another storage unit that meets your needs.
Read and Understand the Texas Storage Facility Act
While it isn’t exactly light reading, this is the document that outlines the laws you and your landlord must follow. If you struggle with the TSFW and your lease, you may wish to meet with an attorney who can explain things clearly.
Document Everything
Keep a record of all correspondence relating to your rental unit, such as written notices and emails. It is smart to keep a journal of verbal interactions. While they may not hold as much legal weight, they can help you keep the timeline clear in your head if things go badly. If there are any changes to the original rental agreement, make sure you get them in writing.
Negotiate Rent Increases
If your landlord increases your rent, or if you can’t afford the new rate, it’s worth it to communicate with your landlord and try to find a solution. When approached respectfully, many landlords much prefer to keep a good tenant for a lower rate or find other ways to mitigate the hardship you experience because of a rent increase.
Keep Lines of Communication Open
Just as you expect transparency and fairness from your landlord, by communicating respectfully, and honestly you may avoid issues that could otherwise have turned into major problems. If your landlord isn’t willing to discuss your concerns openly, that may indicate you should take your business elsewhere.
Legal Recourse
Legal action should be the last option for any disputes between yourself and your landlord. You’ll want to seek advice from an attorney who understands Texas law and who can let you know if there is a better way to resolve your issue.
Storage Unit Rent Increase Laws in Texas
While the business of renting a self-storage unit in Texas may seem perilous, most renters never have to worry about shady landlords or losing their property. If you stick to your rental agreement, you should be fine. It is not in a lessor’s interest to establish a poor reputation.
To give yourself the best chance at avoiding unnecessary drama, do your due diligence and opt for a well-established self-storage facility and work to understand the storage unit rent increase laws in Texas. If you live in the Corpus Christi area, that means checking out Boat Stop Storage. Contact us today and find out how we can help with your boat, RV, or vehicle storage needs.