FAQ What is "Self Storage"? Self Storage is the term applied to facilities that offer do-it-yourself, month-to-month storage space rental. They are also sometimes referred to as "Mini Storage", or, incorrectly as "Mini Warehouses". Self Storage differs greatly from warehousing because it is a landlord/tenant relationship. Forty-five states, thanks to the efforts of the Self Storage Association, have established laws defining this relationship. I am looking for statistical and demographic information I can use to help with my market analysis and to help me learn more about the Self Storage Industry. Where can I look? The "Self Storage Almanac", published by MiniCo, Inc. is the only statistical abstract of the Self Storage Industry. In it you'll fine many tables with information about saturation levels, occupancy rates, population and income trends, and more. You'll also find a number of pro-forma financial statements. The Association sells almost as many "Almanacs" to financial institutions as to industry professionals. You can order your copy right now through the SSA Website Marketplace. How can our company advertise to the members of the Self Storage Association? Can we get your mailing list? Self Storage Association has a membership classification designed to help The suppliers and other members of the association contact each other. Several member benefits have been developed specifically to help vendors get access to the membership. All members get a copy of the annual membership directory and resource guide. In it vendor members are listed by company name AND in up to 10 product/service categories! Vendor members also receive the association's new member listing each month. the SSA Links and Vendor Member Directory areas of our web site are FREE member benefits. All of these Vendor Member benefit programs are designed to help you, The vendor offer your products and services to the members of the association. the membership area of The web site has lots of information about our services and benefits. the seminar/conferences area of The site will keep you informed about all the educational opportunities we provide. Email us your postal address and we'll send a package of information about the SSA and how we can be your "partner" in self storage. How do I create a good rental agreement? Because state lien laws vary, there is no "standard" agreement for self storage lease agreements. If you have contacts in the industry in your area or can contact fellow SSA members, you may be able to obtain some samples to use as a starting point. There is also a very popular publication called the "Rental Agreement Handbook" available through the SSA web site's bookstore area. Revised and updated in 2000, this is a "plain language" handbook with many samples of possible clauses to address certain issues. You still want to have an attorney review your agreement but you can save a lot of time and effort by starting with the Handbook and some agreement samples.