Self storage facilities are businesses composed of real estate or personal property cargo transit containers divided into self storage spaces that are rented to tenants, usually on a monthly basis.

Description

The term "self storage" is short for "self-service storage", and is also known as "mini storage" or "mini warehouse" (archaic). Self storage facilities lease space to individuals, usually storing household goods, or to small businesses, usually storing excess inventory or archived records. The rented spaces, known as "units","rooms" or "lockers" are usually secured by the tenant's own lock and key. Generally, facility operators do not have casual access to the contents of the space, unlike a professional warehouseman. In most instances, a self storage operator never takes possession, care, custody or control of the contents of the storage rental space unless a lien is imposed for non-payment of rent. Self storage facility operators frequently provide controlled access to rental space areas, individual door alarms, interior units lights, and security cameras. Generally, goods or items stored are not insured by the self storage operator; they are stored at the tenant's "own risk" or protected by tenant-purchased insurance.