Renting unused garage as a storage unit

[Jesse Mitchell]

Hey fellow BPers,

I have a duplex where neither tenant uses the garage.  I was thinking about renting it out as a storage unit for some extra income.  Does anyone have an experience or tips for me?  I am assuming I could just get a copy of a real storage unit lease agreement and modify as needed.  Also it would be wise for me to amend my tenants lease to eliminate the garage access... besides that I am having trouble finding any downside to doing this.  Thoughts? Thanks!

[Brandon Reed]

Hey @Jesse Mitchell! I don't have any personal experience doing this...but have thought about it if I ever was in a situation where it was applicable. Seems like a no-brainer to me if the Garage is going untilized! That being said, I would absolutely get your current tenants on board and make sure those existing leases are up-to-date, and that any leases you put in place for the garages are iron-clad as well. Just feel like with introducing complexity like that, you'll want to cover all your bases.