Self-Storage Startup Guide: Start a Profitable Facility

Starting a Self-Storage Business: A Practical Guide

You drive past an empty lot that sits between a highway and a growing neighborhood. You picture rows of clean units, a secure gate, and steady rent each month. It looks simple. Then the questions hit. Zoning. Drainage. Access control. Permits. Where do you start?

This guide cuts through the noise. We focus on what it takes to launch. Not to run the business day to day. You will see the sequence, the paperwork, the equipment, and where to verify local rules.

If you want a clear playbook for a first location, you are in the right place. Keep the steps tight. Do the checks. Open with confidence.

Decide If This Business Fits You

Before numbers and permits, check your fit. Self-storage can be a solid model. It also demands patience, capital, and long timelines. Be honest about why you want it and how you handle risk.

Start with a reality check. Review the big picture of owning a business and how it changes your life. Then look at your interest in this industry. Passion helps when problems show up.

Use these quick steps to ground your choice, then move forward with purpose.

Read Points to Consider Before Starting Your Business to test readiness.
Review How Passion Affects Your Business so you can stay the course when projects stall.
Get the “inside look” from people who run facilities: How to Find Critical Information from the Right People.
Ask yourself: Are you moving toward a goal or only away from a job? Can you live with an uncertain timeline and full responsibility?

Choose Your Model and Scope

Define what you will offer before you pick land or pricing. The model sets your layout, permits, and costs. Keep the first site focused and practical.

Pick your unit mix and services now. Choose whether you will hire early or operate lean. Decide if you are solo, with partners, or investor backed.

List the essentials you must have on opening day. Then add “nice to have” items you can add later.

Unit types: drive-up, interior corridor, climate-controlled, locker sizes, vehicle/RV/boat parking.
Core services: month-to-month rentals, online reservations and move-in, autopay, cylinder/disc locks for sale.
Optional services: packing supplies, tenant insurance offered through a licensed third party, truck rental partnerships.
Staffing model: unattended with strong tech, part-time on-site, or full-time on-site.
Ownership: solo, partners, or outside investors. Set expectations in writing.

Research Demand, Competition, and Profit Potential

Only build where demand is real. A few miles can make or break results. Your goal is simple. Confirm enough customers at rates that cover all costs and pay you.

Study supply and demand carefully. Look for rate strength, occupancy signals, and barriers to new entrants. Watch for flood risk and access problems.

Use a steady, repeatable process so you can compare sites without bias.

Delineate a 3–5-mile trade area using drive times and growth corridors.
Inventory competitors: unit mix, posted rates, access hours, security features, and visible occupancy cues.
Check rate trends and concessions. Note where climate-controlled units command a premium.
Use this primer to structure your work: Supply and Demand.
Screen risks: floodplain, drainage, steep grades, limited curb cuts, or difficult turning radii for trailers.
Confirm that self-storage is permitted or can be approved with conditions in your target zones.
Estimate revenue with a simple lease-up curve. Be conservative. Pressure-test scenarios.

Pick the Site and Secure Entitlements

Land choice and approvals drive your timeline. Many jurisdictions treat self-storage as a special or conditional use. Expect design standards for facades, screening, and traffic.

Plan for civil design, stormwater management, and fire/life-safety requirements. New construction that disturbs one acre or more requires a construction stormwater permit under the NPDES program and a written Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

Book a pre-application meeting early. It saves months by clarifying the path.

Confirm zoning: ask if “self-service storage” or “mini-warehouse” is permitted, conditional, or prohibited.
Pre-application meeting: bring a concept sketch, access points, and a draft unit mix.
Site plan submittals: civil, grading, drainage, utility, and lighting plans.
Building plans: architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection.
Stormwater and erosion control: verify if a permit and plan are required for your site.
Right-of-way work: verify driveway, sidewalk, and utility tie-ins with local public works.
Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy (CO): pass all inspections to receive the Certificate before opening.

Plan Your Unit Mix, Systems, and Equipment

Design follows what you plan to rent. Unit sizes, climate strategy, and security level determine equipment and layout. Set clear specs before you price the project.

Think in layers. Perimeter, access control, cameras, lighting, and interior buildout must work together. Tie your access system to your property-management software.

Use the list below to shape quotes and keep vendors aligned.

Site & Security: perimeter fencing; controlled gate(s); access control platform; keypads/readers; IP cameras; NVR/VMS; exterior and corridor LED lighting; alarm contacts where specified; safety and property signage.
Buildings & Units: roll-up doors; latches/hasps; cylinder/disc locks (retail stock); door alarms where used; weather seals and thresholds; insulation and vapor barriers; corridor partition systems; exit hardware; wayfinding signs; ramps/curb transitions at accessible units.
Climate & Mechanical: HVAC units sized for climate-controlled areas; thermostats; dehumidifiers where specified; ducting; ventilation louvers for non-conditioned areas as required by code.
Operations & Office: property-management software; computers; monitors; printer/scanner; POS/payment terminal; router/firewall; switches; primary internet and LTE/failover; VoIP phone; gate/intercom; office furniture; safe.
Retail & Customer Use: packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap); locks; dollies/hand trucks; moving blankets; pallet jack if needed; printed rental documents and notices.
Site Maintenance: utility cart or small vehicle; landscaping tools or vendor plan; snow equipment where needed; ladders; basic toolkits; pest control stations.
Safety: fire extinguishers per code; first-aid kit; spill kits for vehicle areas; required safety postings.

Build Your Team and Close Skill Gaps

You do not have to do everything yourself. Hire specialized help where it saves time or avoids costly errors. Learn enough to direct the work and make sound calls.

List the roles you will own. List what you will delegate. Bring in professionals early for complex steps like land use, engineering, and permits.

If you do not have a skill, you can learn it or hire for it. Focus on what moves the project forward.

Advisors: land-use attorney (if permits or variances), civil engineer, architect, general contractor, insurance broker, CPA, and an access-control/security integrator. See Building a Team of Professional Advisors.
Owner skills to develop: basic code literacy, vendor management, customer service, simple maintenance, recordkeeping.
Hiring plan: decide whether to staff before opening. Use How and When to Hire to plan roles and timing.

Estimate Startup Costs and Secure Funding

Price every item from land to locks. A detailed list prevents surprises and helps lenders trust your plan. Size and scope drive cost, so tailor your list to your site.

Package your funding with clear numbers. Include project costs, a draw schedule, and a conservative lease-up plan. Consider bank loans and programs guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.

Keep a healthy contingency. Approvals and site work often take longer than expected.

Cost buckets: land; due diligence (survey, geotech, environmental); design; fees and permits; site work; buildings; security and tech; office; retail stock; branding; pre-opening marketing; working capital; contingency.
Use this guide to structure the estimate: Estimating Startup Costs.
Funding prep: personal financials; entity documents; development schedule; pro forma; contractor bids; appraisals; resume of your team; a lender one-pager.
Explore options with How to Get a Business Loan.

Form the Business and Register What’s Required

Handle formation and registrations in the right order. Many owners start as a sole proprietorship. As the business grows, forming a limited liability company can add structure and protection. Choose what fits your goals and speak to a professional if you are unsure.

Registration is location-specific. Always verify on official portals. If a step feels heavy, hire help. Doing it right is worth it.

Use the grouped list below to stay organized and to find the right office fast.

Federal: get an Employer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service; verify employment eligibility with Form I-9 for each employee; follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration basics once you hire; design to Americans with Disabilities Act standards for public accommodations.
State: file your entity or assumed name with the Secretary of State (or equivalent); register tax accounts with your Department of Revenue (sales/use when applicable, employer withholding, unemployment insurance); secure workers’ compensation if required; if you will offer tenant insurance, some states require a limited-lines license—check with your Department of Insurance.
City/County: confirm zoning and permitted use; complete site plan and building permit reviews; obtain inspections and the Certificate of Occupancy; apply for a local business license or tax registration if required; coordinate right-of-way work with public works.
Varies by jurisdiction—how to verify locally: search “[Your State] Secretary of State business services,” “[Your State] Department of Revenue business registration,” “[Your City] planning and zoning self-storage,” “[Your City] building permit Certificate of Occupancy,” and “[Your State] Department of Insurance limited lines self-service storage.”
Use How to Register a Business for a step-by-step overview and options for professional help.

Name, Branding, and Digital Setup

Pick a name customers can spell and remember. Lock the domain and social handles early. Keep the brand simple and clear.

Set up a web presence that matches how customers rent today. Make it easy to see rates, reserve, and move in online. Keep contact details and directions obvious.

Develop the assets once, then reuse across signs, cards, and your site.

Secure the domain and social handles. Build a fast site with online reservations. See How to Build a Website.
Create a basic brand kit: logo, colors, fonts, and a style guide. See Corporate Identity Package.
Prepare a sign plan and apply for a sign permit if required. See Business Sign and Business Cards.

Write the Business Plan and Set Pricing

A simple, clear plan keeps you on track. You can write it even if you are not seeking a loan. Lenders and partners will expect it, but it is also your guide.

Price units by size, type, and climate level. Study local rates and occupancy. Use dynamic pricing later, but set a clean structure at launch.

Document policies now so your lease and notices match the plan.

Use How to Write a Business Plan to structure the document.
Set base rates by unit size and features; align fees and deposits with local law and your rental agreement.
Review Pricing Your Products and Services for a simple approach to margins and value.
Define discounts and promotions with a clear end date for each offer.

Insurance and Risk Controls

Protect the project and your people. Some coverages are required when you hire. Others are lender driven or risk based. Your broker can explain what applies in your state.

Set practical controls on day one. Good lighting, cameras, and access control reduce incidents. Clear rules in the lease prevent confusion later.

Document your decisions. Keep certificates and policies in your opening binder.

Discuss general liability, property/builders risk during construction, equipment breakdown, cyber and privacy for online rentals, and workers’ compensation if you have employees. See Business Insurance.
Ask about tenant insurance programs and any licensing requirements for offering them in your state.
Set safety basics: lighting checks, camera coverage, and emergency contacts.

Physical Setup and Pre-Opening Testing

Install equipment in a controlled order. Start with power and networks, then access, then video. Test every system the way a customer will use it.

Walk the site like a tenant. Can you find the unit? Is the path smooth and lit? Are instructions clear at the gate and doors?

Fix anything that causes friction. Small delays at the gate feel bigger to a first-time renter.

Signage and wayfinding: approach signs, office sign, keypad instructions, unit labeling, and safety notices.
Access control: program groups, test codes, fobs, and mobile credentials; confirm auto-lockout on delinquency.
Video: confirm recording, retention, and time sync; check night images and blind spots.
Lighting: verify photocells and timers; test after dark.
Americans with Disabilities Act features: accessible parking, routes, doors, and required accessible unit dispersion.
Fire and life safety: extinguishers, exit signage, and inspection tags in place.

Day-to-Day Preview (So You Launch Ready)

Knowing the daily rhythm helps you design better. You are not managing operations here. You are preparing for them so launch is smooth.

Keep it simple. Focus on the few actions that keep customers moving and the site safe. Practice them during soft opening.

Use the list to script your first week.

Answer inquiries, show units, and complete leases.
Daily walk-through: check doors, locks, corridors, lighting, and cameras.
Process payments and deposits; handle basic notices based on your rental agreement and state timelines.
Restock locks and supplies; tidy office and entry points.
Document incidents and service calls; update your opening checklist.

Pre-Launch Marketing and Community Awareness

People must know you exist before the sign lights up. Plan a simple, steady push. Keep messages clear—location, security, and easy online move-in.

Start marketing while permits are in flight. Collect interest early. A soft opening builds momentum for day one.

Use a basic plan and repeat what works.

Create a short plan with Create a Marketing Plan.
Set up your site with clear calls to action. Use local search listings. Add photos and a unit size guide.
Promote “online move-in” and “first-month specials” if you offer them. Track every lead source.
Plan a simple launch event. See Grand Opening and How to Get Customers Through the Door.

Products and Services You Will Offer

Define your offer so customers know what to expect. Keep terms simple and available on your website. Match services to the needs of your area.

Clarity here makes pricing and policies easier. It also helps you stock the right supplies.

Use the list to finalize your service menu.

Space rentals: drive-up units, interior corridor units, climate-controlled units, lockers, and outdoor/covered vehicle parking.
Customer services: online reservations and move-in, autopay, account self-service, gate access support, and extended access hours where allowed.
Add-ons: packing supplies, cylinder/disc locks, use of dollies/hand trucks, tenant insurance through a licensed provider, and truck partner referrals.
Policy items: deposits where used, admin fees, and late fees aligned with your rental agreement and state law.

Who Your Customers Are

Most renters are people in transition or short on space. A second group is small businesses that need extra room. Speak to both in your messaging.

When you understand the segments, you can set the right unit mix. You also choose hours and access that fit their needs.

Build simple profiles and check them against local demand.

Individuals: moving, downsizing, remodeling, seasonal storage, students, and military.
Households with limited space: apartment and condo residents.
Small businesses: trades, e-commerce inventory, records, display fixtures, and event gear.
Vehicle owners: cars, trailers, boats, and RVs needing secure parking.

Pros and Cons to Weigh Before You Commit

Every model has strengths and trade-offs. Knowing them helps you plan and set expectations. Use this to guide your risk plan and timeline.

Be clear with partners and family about both sides. Then commit to the path you choose.

Keep notes as you go. You will use them in your plan and lender talks.

Pros: recurring rental revenue; broad customer base; short agreements give pricing flexibility; strong automation can reduce staffing hours.
Cons: capital-intensive development; zoning/design restrictions in many areas; layered compliance for accessibility and construction stormwater; site risks from weather or crime that require robust design and security.

Software to Consider

Software ties the site together. Choose tools that talk to each other. Keep the stack simple at first, but make sure you can grow.

Pick platforms with solid support and proven integrations. Test every workflow end to end before opening.

Use this checklist during demos.

Property-management platform with online rentals, billing, and access-control integration.
Access control software for gates, doors, and credential management.
Payment processing with autopay and chargeback handling.
Accounting software for bookkeeping and tax reporting.
Website content system with forms, unit search, and real-time availability.
Call tracking and basic customer relationship management for leads.
Video management software (NVR/VMS) for cameras and retention settings.

Documents and Templates to Prepare

Create the core documents now. Keep them plain and consistent. Align notices and timelines with your state law and your rental agreement.

Use a simple binder or shared drive. Make sure staff can find what they need fast. Update versions as rules or policies change.

Run a tabletop drill with your team before opening day.

Rental agreement and addendums; house rules; access policy; schedule of fees.
Required notices for late rent and lien timelines based on state law.
Incident report template; vendor onboarding checklist; opening and closing checklists.
Insurance certificates; permits; Certificate of Occupancy; inspection reports.
Safety plan: emergency contacts, lighting and camera check routines.

Open Bank Accounts and Set Financial Controls

Keep business money separate from personal money. Open accounts before you spend. Set controls early so you do not have to unwind habits later.

Use a basic chart of accounts and simple reporting. Your accountant can set this up fast. It will save you time at tax season.

Document who can sign, approve payments, and issue refunds.

Business checking and savings; merchant services; payment gateway setup.
Accounting file with classes for site, unit type, and major cost buckets.
Receipt capture and document storage for permits, fees, and equipment invoices.

Go-Live Checklist

Finish strong. One last pass can prevent costly delays. Verify every permit and system, then open in a controlled way.

Do a soft launch to test real traffic. Fix the rough edges and then announce your opening. Keep your opening day simple and clear.

Use this list to close the loop.

All permits approved; Certificate of Occupancy issued; inspections passed.
Tax accounts ready; Employer Identification Number confirmed; employment files complete if hiring.
Insurance in force; certificates on file; safety checks logged.
Access, cameras, lighting, and alarms tested; emergency contacts posted.
Website live with rates and online move-in; phone and intercom working.
Lease package printed and digital; deposits and fees configured; payment processing live.
Retail area stocked; dollies and hand trucks staged; site clean and signed.
Marketing kickoff scheduled; listings updated; launch event planned.
Team briefed on scripts and procedures; escalation paths clear.

If You Feel Overwhelmed, Get Help

You are not required to be the expert in every area. Bring in specialists for formation, accounting, engineering, branding, or web work. Your job is to make good decisions and keep the project moving.

Use outside help when it saves time, reduces risk, or improves quality. Stay in control by setting clear scopes and deadlines. Keep short check-ins and simple status notes.

Review common startup mistakes so you avoid costly errors and wasted time.

Next Steps

Confirm this is the right path for you. Talk to owners. Visit active sites. Build your checklist and start with demand and zoning. The rest follows.

Use the linked guides as you move. Keep your plan simple and your records clean. When in doubt, ask a professional and verify on official portals.

Take the first step today. Small, steady actions open doors.

101 Tips for Running Your Self-Storage Business

These tips focus on starting and running a compliant, customer-friendly self-storage business in the United States.

They are practical, specific, and written for first-time owners. Use them to structure your plan, set priorities, and avoid costly delays. Always verify local rules before acting.

Numbering continues across categories so you can track progress from idea to opening and beyond. Keep records, follow the law, and use professionals when needed. The right sequence saves time and protects your investment.

What to Do Before Starting

Clarify why you want this business and write down your decision criteria so you can judge sites and budgets without emotion.
Define your offer: drive-up, interior corridor, climate-controlled, lockers, and any vehicle or boat parking you plan to include.
Schedule a pre-application meeting with planning staff to confirm where self-storage is permitted or needs a special approval.
Study a 3–5 mile trade area using drive times; list competitors, unit types, posted rates, and visible occupancy indicators.
Estimate achievable rents by unit type and build a conservative lease-up curve to test cash needs.
Screen sites for floodplain, drainage, truck access, and turning radii before you spend on design.
Sketch a draft unit mix and circulation plan with a civil engineer to confirm feasible coverage and fire access.
Create an itemized equipment list and request at least two quotes per category to compare scope clearly.
Build a preliminary budget with land, due diligence, design, permits, construction, equipment, technology, marketing, and contingency.
Select a legal structure that fits your goals and register the business; obtain a federal tax identification number when ready.
Choose a funding path and assemble a lender-ready package with costs, schedule, pro forma, and team qualifications.
Line up advisors early: land-use attorney (if needed), civil engineer, architect, general contractor, security integrator, insurance broker, and accountant.

What Successful Self-Storage Business Owners Do

Use layered security—fencing, controlled gates, access credentials, lighting, and cameras—integrated with management software.
Design for accessibility from day one, including accessible parking, routes, and a dispersed share of accessible units.
Keep a spotless, well-lit site and enforce daily standards so first impressions match your brand promise.
Track core metrics weekly: move-ins, move-outs, occupancy by unit type, average rate, and delinquency percentage.
Control credentials with strict procedures for code creation, revocation, and audits after every delinquency.
Document processes as standard operating procedures and review them after incidents or rule changes.
Build referral paths with apartments, real estate agents, colleges, and moving services to smooth seasonality.
Use clear leases aligned with state lien laws and apply written policies consistently.
Review pricing monthly by size and type; adjust based on demand rather than reacting to competitors.
Train on incident reporting, including time-stamped notes, video references, and escalation steps.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Write standard operating procedures for move-in, move-out, lock cuts, overlocks, and unit transfers.
Use opening and closing checklists for gates, lights, cameras, and office systems to prevent missed steps.
If you hire, complete employment eligibility verification for each employee and secure the records properly.
Verify workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance requirements in your state before the first hire.
Post required safety notices and train staff on hazard awareness, lifting, ladders, and chemical labeling where applicable.
Standardize payment workflows with clear consent for autopay and documented refund and chargeback handling.
Reconcile deposits daily; separate who takes payments from who reconciles when possible to reduce errors.
Set retention rules for leases, notices, and surveillance footage and follow them consistently.
Create a preventive maintenance calendar for gates, keypads, doors, lighting, and climate-control equipment.
Keep a parts kit for common door, latch, and seal repairs to reduce downtime.
Maintain a vetted vendor list for locksmith, electrical, pavement, snow, landscaping, and alarm service.
Test camera coverage and recording at night and after weather events to find blind spots.
Prepare backup access methods for gate or network outages, and test them quarterly.
Publish an emergency plan with contacts, roles, and shutoff locations; review it with staff.
Verify your Certificate of Occupancy and keep all permits and approvals accessible on site.
Train staff to explain fees, notices, and timelines exactly as written without making informal promises.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Use NAICS 531130 when researching industry data and completing certain registrations and forms.
Lien procedures for delinquent units are controlled by state law; follow the required notices and timelines exactly.
Tax treatment of storage rental and retail sales varies by state; confirm sales and use tax rules with the state revenue agency.
Offering tenant insurance may require a limited-lines insurance authorization; verify rules with your state insurance department.
New construction that disturbs one acre or more commonly requires a construction stormwater permit and a written plan.
Americans with Disabilities Act standards apply to newly built or altered public accommodations, including accessible unit dispersion.
Demand usually rises during moving seasons and at semester changes in college towns; align staffing and offers to these cycles.
Some jurisdictions limit new facilities or require enhanced design, which can extend timelines and increase costs.
Security risks include theft and vandalism; combine access control, surveillance, and lighting to lower exposure.
Energy use can be significant in climate-controlled areas; design for efficiency to protect margins.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Build a fast website with real-time availability and complete online move-in to reduce office workload.
Publish a clear unit size guide with photos so prospects can choose the right space the first time.
Claim local listings with accurate hours, access details, and amenities to improve discovery.
Add professional photos of gate, corridors, units, and lighting to increase trust before a visit.
Use consistent, readable exterior signs that match your brand and comply with local sign permits.
Track lead sources and calculate cost per move-in so you can shift budget to what works.
Create move-in specials with end dates and written terms to manage expectations.
Build referral programs with apartments, real estate agents, and moving companies and measure results.
Run targeted ads around peak moving periods and new housing deliveries in your area.
Send reservation reminders by text and email to cut no-shows and wasted holds.
Show total move-in cost, including all fees and taxes, to reduce surprises and lost sales.
Sponsor local events that fit storage needs, such as neighborhood yard sales or community cleanups.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

Set expectations at the first contact by explaining access hours, security features, and basic rules.
Demonstrate gate access and lock use before issuing codes so the first visit goes smoothly.
Provide a packing and stacking checklist to reduce damage and customer stress.
Explain how autopay works, how to update cards, and how to avoid late fees.
Verify identity before making access changes and document who requested them and when.
Send clear renewal or rate-change notices with an easy contact method for questions.
Define the move-out process, including required notice and cleaning expectations, to reduce disputes.
Offer unit transfers when space needs change so you keep the account rather than losing it.
Follow up after move-in to catch issues early and increase satisfaction.
Keep common questions in a concise handout at the office and on the website for quick answers.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

Publish a plain-language fee schedule that matches your lease and keep it visible at the office.
Use standardized text for late and lien notices to ensure accuracy and consistency.
Log every customer contact related to access, payments, or disputes with time stamps.
Send a brief satisfaction check within a week of move-in and resolve issues promptly.
Stock spare locks for sale and log every lock cut with the reason and witness.
Provide a clear escalation path for complaints with target response times and a named contact.
Monitor voicemail and inbox daily and return all contacts within the same business day.
Coach staff to stick to written policy and document any approved exceptions.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

Install LED lighting with occupancy sensors in corridors to lower energy use and heat.
Use reflective roofing or added insulation in climate-controlled buildings to reduce cooling load.
Offer a labeled area for cardboard and packing material recycling with clear rules.
Maintain stormwater features and keep drains clear to prevent site flooding and pollution.
Select durable doors and hardware to reduce replacements and landfill waste over the years.
Plant native, low-maintenance landscaping to cut water and chemical needs.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

Review state and local rule changes quarterly for taxes, licensing, signage, and lien procedures.
Use recognized industry and government data to benchmark occupancy, rates, and supply trends.
Watch nearby building permits to anticipate new supply and adjust pricing and marketing plans.
Maintain a compliance calendar for renewals, inspections, and required postings and check it monthly.
Attend occasional code and safety sessions to stay current on accessibility and workplace rules.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Test rate changes by size and type when demand shifts instead of changing every unit at once.
Create weather response checklists for storms, heat waves, and snow to protect people and property.
Keep backup access methods for gates and systems and practice the process with staff.
Base expansion unit mix on your actual rentals and waitlists, not general trends.
Pilot new technology on a small group of units, measure results, then scale.
Prepare an incident communication plan so customers receive accurate information quickly from you.

What Not to Do

Do not start construction without written zoning confirmation, approved plans, and required permits.
Do not omit accessibility features in design; retrofits after inspections can be expensive and delay opening.
Do not accept or store hazardous materials for customers or ignore posted restrictions.
Do not advertise rates that exclude required fees or taxes; it creates complaints and lost trust.
Do not let delinquency timelines slip; follow lease and state procedures exactly.
Do not assume tenants will learn gate and lock procedures on their own; train them during the first visit.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, IRS, EPA, ADA, OSHA, U.S. Census Bureau, USCIS, U.S. Department of Labor, USA.gov