Duplex + 4 Self Storage Units - Questions Regarding Self-Storage Leases

[Zach Schwarzmiller]

Greetings - I am buying a duplex + 4 self storage units. The self storage are on a separate tax parcel. This is located within Snohomish County, Washington State. I realize these laws may vary state to state.

Currently all the storage units (which have been added to an old shop/garage building years ago) are rented via month-to-month leases. The leases are short and sweet. Renter to pay Owner $X monthly, Renter to indemnify Owner for any and all damage which may occur to Renters belongings inside the storage unit.

To step back a moment, both the duplex and the storage units are non-confirming per the zoning, but grandfathered in as long as the use does not change for more than 6 months. 

Once I purchase the building I will redraft my personal leases for the duplex units, but haven't ever had to draft a lease for a storage unit. I have a copy of one from a larger self-storage facility, but I don't think a lot of the lease terms are applicable to me.

Does anyone have experience with this manner? Should I just write in my lease that Renter to indemnify Owner and is required to carry renters insurance (I do this in my leases, but I don't actually verify it, I just have it in there to hopefully give myself some layer of protection) .

Thoughts and/or seeing anyone's simple self-storage lease would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You!