Frequently Asked Questions

A: Founded in 1986 as Texas Mini Storage Association, TSSA is a non-profit trade association dedicated to providing opportunities for all self-storage owners to share, learn and improve both their businesses and the self-storage industry. Today, TSSA membership rolls have grown to more than 5,200 member facilities. As the Association grows, it continues to provide individualized service, education and fellowship with the same dedication and determination that sparked the 10 founders in 1986.

A: Self storage, also known as mini storage, refers to a lockable unit in which customers store their goods. Self storage provides customers who are relocating, selling a home, or simply looking for more space for their possessions with a place to store their items. Businesses frequently use self storage to store inventory or paperwork, rather than having to lease additional expensive commercial office 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.

A: If you are a TSSA member, you have access through the Members Only section of this site to our exclusive Ask the Experts FAQ database and interactive forum, with answers available 24/7. More than 400 self-storage-related questions are accompanied by answers from our team of attorneys and industry experts. The TSSA Goldbook©, which is free with your membership, is a 300-page legal reference guidebook that contains legal articles, FAQs, step-by-step instructions for foreclosure and eviction and much more. A TSSA staff member is available to answer your questions over the phone Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Central.

A: There are many reasons to join - please view the Member Benefits page (see link below). From the nationally acclaimed rental agreement and other official forms, to the TSSA Goldbook©, networking and education at TSSA events to our bi-monthly magazine, Self-Storage News, and advocacy on behalf of the industry, TSSA works to protect and educate owners and managers of self-storage facilities in Texas. Ask any of our members—TSSA membership is key in building and maintaining a profitable storage business.

Rental agreements are available to members only. Members may purchase printed, two-part rental agreements or sign up for TSSA's e-Lease. TSSA's e-Lease allows members to use the TSSA rental agreement electronically. TSSA's e-Lease subscription may be ordered by members that use management software. Click here to find out if your management software provider is on the list. TSSA's e-Lease is $120 + tax per facility, per year, and that comes with unlimited use of the TSSA rental agreement and other forms for the duration of the subscription period. Click here to learn more about TSSA's e-Lease.

A: In addition to the helpful information contained in the TSSA magazine, and especially in the special development issues of the publication, TSSA also offers education designed specifically for potential self-storage facility owners, investors and developers at our Big Ideas in Storage Annual Conference & Trade Show. From feasibility studies and data services to building design and building construction, the Vendor Locator is your one-stop shop for all things self storage. Click here to browse the Vendor Locator and find the right vendor for your self-storage needs.

A: Joining TSSA is simple. Go to our online join page, or print the PDF to fax, email or mail your membership application. Membership for facility owners is $260 per year for one facility, and $155 for each additional facility. Membership dues for investors and developers (those building a facility or researching the business) are also $260 annually. 

Vendor/Supplier membership is $400 per year for those who provide goods or services for the self-storage industry. Vendor members are entitled to significant discounts on TSSA advertising rates and trade show booths. Only TSSA members may rent the full or partial member mailing list for a minimal charge and receive up to three free category listings on the online Vendor Locator.