Owners reach out to us for all kinds of reasons. Some have a lot that's sat empty since a tenant moved out. Some are holding a property for later and want it to earn something in the meantime. Some just got a call from an operator and want to know if the offer is any good.
We can't tell you what your lease should say. That's a job for your attorney. But these are the questions we think every owner should ask before signing anything.
The money
How is the rent set: by the acre, by the month, a flat amount? Does it go up over time, and by how much? Is there a deposit? When does rent start, and is there a free period while the site gets set up?
Improvements
Most lots need some work before trucks move in. Fencing, a gate, lighting, cameras, more gravel, signs. Ask who pays for each one and what happens to it when the lease is over. Some owners want it left behind. Others want the lot handed back the way it was.
Insurance and risk
The operator should carry liability insurance and add you as an additional insured. Ask what limits they carry. Ask how they handle fuel or fluid leaks and who pays for cleanup. Environmental questions are much easier to settle at the start than at the end.
Taxes and upkeep
Who pays the property taxes? Who plows the snow, fills the potholes, cuts the weeds along the fence line and picks up trash?
Term and flexibility
How long is the lease? If you might sell or build on the land in a few years, ask for a way out, like the right to end the lease with notice. A lot of operators can work with that if they know about it up front.
Day to day
How will they screen who parks there? Is someone on call if there's a problem? How will they handle idling, noise and lighting if there are neighbors nearby?
Who they are
How long have they been doing this? Can they show you another yard they run? Can you talk to another owner they lease from?
None of these are trick questions. A serious operator expects them.
If you'd like a second set of eyes on an offer, or want to know whether your lot would work for trucks, we're happy to talk. Tell us about your site at dropyardstorage.com.
