Texas Self Storage Association | Frequently Asked Questions

Renting a unit
Legal and procedural questions
Self-storage employment
What is TSSA?
How do I join?
How much are the dues for TSSA?
Developing a self-storage facility
TSSA forms software program

Q. What is self storage, and why would I use it?

A. Self storage, also known as mini storage, refers to a a lockable unit in which customers store their goods. Self storage allows customers who are relocating, selling a home, or simply looking for more space for their possessions a place to store the items. Businesses frequently use self storage to store inventory or paperwork, rather than having to lease additional expensive commercial space. Unlike portable or door-to-door storage, self-storage facilities allow customers to retain a key to the unit and code to any gates so that they are not forced to make appointments to access their goods.
Q. How do I find a storage unit to rent?

A. To find a TSSA member facility, click on facility search on the home page and use the drop-down menu to search by the city, or type in the name of the facility, if you know it. Information about all current TSSA facility members in that city, or about the specific facility if you typed in the name, will appear.
Q. I'm a self-storage facility owner or manager. How do I get help with procedural or legal questions?

A. If you are a TSSA member, you have access through the members-only part of this site to our exclusive "Ask the Experts" database and interactive forum. More than 100 self-storage-related questions are accompanied by answers from our team of attorneys and industry experts. As an additional resource to the TSSA Goldbook©, free with your membership, and annual legal seminars, this feature helps address situations that arise and keeps our members out of legal trouble. Members may log in by clicking here.
Q. I am a self-storage facility owner interested in hiring a manager, or a manager seeking employment. How do I connect?

A. Post a job listing or employment interest on TSSA's free Discussion Forums.
Q. I'm considering building or buying a self-storage facility in Texas. Where do I find development information?

A. In addition to an annual developers seminar in the summer, TSSA also offers a whole series of seminars geared specifically for the potential self-storage facility owner or developer at the annual convention in the fall each year. If you can't wait, begin your search on the world-wide Web!

Check the Buyer's Guide to find information about brokers, consultants and companies offering feasibility studies, or use the Quick Links link on our home page and go to the Inside Self Storage and Mini Storage Messenger sites to find more information about the industry in articles and publications available to the public. Several publications are geared exclusively to self-storage developers or those exploring self storage as an investment option.
Q: What is the Texas Self Storage Association?

A: Founded in 1986 as the Texas Mini Storage Association, TSSA is a non-profit trade association dedicated to provide opportunities for all self-storage owners to share, learn and improve both their businesses and the self storage industry. Today, the TSSA membership rolls have grown to more than 2,400. As the Association grows, it continues to provide individualized service, education and fellowship with the same dedication and determination that sparked the 10 facility owners and founders in 1986.

Most Texas self-storage owners are independent small business operators. As owners, they work hard to run a profitable business and to follow the correct legal procedures when dealing with customers. However, they are continuously challenged by new governmental regulations and legal questions that they have not dealt with before.

This is where TSSA steps in. Our members are owners and operators facing these same problems who have banded together to assist each other. We have accomplished this by hiring the best legal counsel and legislative advisor and educating managers and owners with up-to-date legal information.

By joining the association, you can become a vital part of this growing industry. Our seminars, annual trade show, and legal updates will keep you abreast of all of the latest legal, business and building issues as you build your business.
Q. Why should a self-storage facility owner or industry supplier join TSSA?

A. Click on the Membership Benefits tab to read information about the benefits TSSA offers its members. From the nationally-acclaimed rental agreement and other official forms, to the TSSA Goldbook©, to the semi-monthly magazine, Self-Storage News, TSSA works to protect and educate owners and managers of self-storage facilities in Texas. Ask any of our members--a TSSA membership is a key part of building a profitable storage business.
Q: I am interested in joining TSSA. How much does it cost, and how much are the rental agreements?

A: Joining TSSA is simple. Click here for the online application, or call 888-259-4902 to join by phone. Membership for owners is $185 a year for one facility, and $110 for each additional facility. Click here for more details. Membership dues for industry suppliers and developers are $185 annually. Rental agreements are available to members only, and are $30 for 100 two-part contracts, or $35 for 3-part agreements. Other official forms, such as the Notice of Claim, Move-out Notice and Notice of Public Sale, to name but a few, are $5.00 for a pad of 50. TSSA also offers a special forms software program that allows members to fill in and print all TSSA official forms, as well as the 60+ forms from the Goldbook. Order forms online now with your membership password, or call (888) 259-4902 to order by phone.