Let's talk about self storage.

We just took ownership earlier this year, and there's been several tenants that didn't have a rental agreement on file.  Luckily, I've had all of them sign one, except for one.  For 3 months I've tried contacting her, but she refuses to respond to my request to come in and sign one.  Do I have the right to restrict her gate access until she complies?  If not, what are my options?

This is what we have done in the past in these instances. 

• Make sure to document all of your attempted correspondence (phone, email and keep any returned physical letters you have sent)
• Overlock the unit (if they can't get in the gate, hopefully they will call - if they tailgate someone else in the gate, hopefully they will call if the unit is overlocked as well)
• We also send a BUS-23 form to the email and address on file along with placing one on the unit (usually in a ziploc bag or sheet protector to keep it weatherproof) so that they can let us know if they just want to abandon the unit. 

If the tenant comes in and calls you can then have them sign a lease. If the tenant signs the release form you can remove the items and make that space rentable for another tenant. If you don't hear from them after 3 months of trying I would go ahead and remove the items but keep all the documentation in case they come back at a later date. (I would also take photos when you do this.) Be sure to check for anyone active duty or incarcerated though. 

We just took ownership earlier this year, and there's been several tenants that didn't have a rental agreement on file.  Luckily, I've had all of them sign one, except for one.  For 3 months I've tried contacting her, but she refuses to respond to my request to come in and sign one.  Do I have the right to restrict her gate access until she complies?  If not, what are my options?

This is what we have done in the past in these instances. 

• Make sure to document all of your attempted correspondence (phone, email and keep any returned physical letters you have sent)
• Overlock the unit (if they can't get in the gate, hopefully they will call - if they tailgate someone else in the gate, hopefully they will call if the unit is overlocked as well)
• We also send a BUS-23 form to the email and address on file along with placing one on the unit (usually in a ziploc bag or sheet protector to keep it weatherproof) so that they can let us know if they just want to abandon the unit. 

If the tenant comes in and calls you can then have them sign a lease. If the tenant signs the release form you can remove the items and make that space rentable for another tenant. If you don't hear from them after 3 months of trying I would go ahead and remove the items but keep all the documentation in case they come back at a later date. (I would also take photos when you do this.) Be sure to check for anyone active duty or incarcerated though. 

We just took ownership earlier this year, and there's been several tenants that didn't have a rental agreement on file.  Luckily, I've had all of them sign one, except for one.  For 3 months I've tried contacting her, but she refuses to respond to my request to come in and sign one.  Do I have the right to restrict her gate access until she complies?  If not, what are my options?