Someone Asked to Rent Our Garage Space to a Reseller

[Karyn Moore]

We were approached by someone who would like to use the detached garage on one of our rental units to resell small home items (sinks, chairs, small appliances). This person is being displaced by his current location.  What should we consider before agreeing to a lease of this sort?  Can we be held liable for any losses on the part of the leasee or buyer?  Will our homeowners insurance cover losses of the resellers goods?  Should we insist the reseller obtain renters insurance?  Do we, the owners have to have a business license for this resellers’s activities (we have a business license for the rentals)?  The unit is in Philadelphia, PA.

Any thoughts you have on this one would be greatly appreciated.