Tips for Renting a Garage

 

As every city-dweller knows, space is a scare resource when you live in a tiny apartment.  Why not rent a garage to use as a workshop or office space?  They're affordable, plentiful and the perfect size for operating a small business from.  Here is our guide on everything you need to know about renting a garage in an urban area for storage or work.

First, determine your needs.  What purpose will the space serve?  Are you looking for extra storage space in general?  Do you need a functioning work space to commit to your craft?  Or will you be mainly be using the unit for parking and working on vehicles?  For our needs, we wanted an industrial office space filled with tools and equipment, a dedicated shipping station, and parking for an electric scooter.  It needed to be within five blocks of the apartment so I could park close to home.  Consider your specific needs when you start the search.

Check local listings, walk around the neighborhoods, ask your property management company if they have anything available.  Consider the area you want to work in: is it a quiet, residential area or a down by the docks situation with noisy construction workers around?   Again, you'll want to determine your needs and find the best place for your business. Try to find between three and five units to schedule showings for.  Consider hiring an experienced home inspector to accompany you.  You'll want to be on the lookout for:

• Is the unit attached to another unit, or is it a detached garage?  
• Is it structurally sound, with four walls all sealed properly and drainage away from the unit?
• Is there mold, dampness, oil spills or any other mysterious liquids present in the unit?
• Is the garage door manual or electric?  Are the rollers securely attached to the tracks?
• Does the unit have electricity or not?  If so, is it included with the rent or not?
• Are all electric outlets safely and securely installed?
• Does the unit have a concrete, wood, or dirt floor?  Is the floor smooth or cracked?
• Does the unit have any windows or air circulation?
• Are there any appliances or applications for them, such as a washer/dryer hookup? 
• Are the exterior, roof and gutters all  fine?
• Is the unit free or any insects, rodents, or small animals living in it?

Be aware of local building codes, state laws and possible homeowner's association rules.  Make sure the landlord understands your intent for the unit.  While it is probably fine to use the place to do projects such as working on a vehicle or sawing wood, be wary of any equipment that may be too loud or leak/exhume hazardous chemicals, liquids, materials, etc... Do not let gasoline leak or spill into the unit, as it can cause fires or explosions if it gets into machinery.

Be mindful of the neighborhood and don't draw too much attention to your business.  This ain't no party place.  Any illegal activity or operations run out of the garage unit risks violating the lease.  So, no bootlegging moonshine like it's the prohibition-era 1930's...  Again, check your local state laws.  Be aware of  rules regarding garage sales or trying to run a brick-and-mortar store out of the space.  Check the property records in the city and the zoning ordinances for the area..  It is probably best to sell online, but you may be able to get away with a once a season "pop-up" shop.  It really depends on the location and neighborhood.

Once you have settled on a desirable spot, it is time to sign a lease.  This tends to be different from a residential lease in that it is more short-term. While residential leases tend to last at least  year, garage leases usually go on a month-by-month, season-by-season, even weekly cycles!  Work out the arrangement best for you with the landlord.  Sometimes, a shorter lease can work in your favor.  You could rent for a few months then move your operation downtown once your business grows.  Or, if a desirable unit isn't available for three more months, you could secure the lease on it while pursuing another unit to use in the meantime.  Keep in mind that in urban areas, garages have a high turnover rate.

Now it's time to set up shop!  Get the keys to your unit and start sweeping, cleaning and installing equipment.  Get everything organized and toast to your future success!