FAQ's
Q: What is the California Self Storage Association?
A: Founded in 2002, the California Self Storage Association is a non-profit trade association dedicated to providing a unified voice for the self storage industry in California as well as facilitating educational opportunities for all individuals in the self storage industry to share, learn and improve both the individual business as well as the self storage industry.
Most California self storage operations are independent small businesses. Every individual involved, whether an owner, operator, or on-site property manager, works 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 they have not dealt with before. CSSA represents individuals at all levels of self storage operations and management, facing these same problems. We have accomplished this by continually educating managers and owners alike, with up to date legal and legislative information.
By joining us in “Working Better Together”, you can become a vital part of this growing industry. CSSA’s seminars, education days, annual conference and legal updates will keep you abreast of all of the latest information for successful operation of a self storage facility.
Q: Why should a self storage facility property manager, owner or industry supplier join CSSA?
A: Anyone involved in the self storage industry in California is encouraged to join the CSSA. We believe that the CSSA’s strength lies in the number of people we represent. We are eager to continue to grow and bring our membership increasing benefits! Members can contact the CSSA hotline with questions Mon-Fri, 8AM to 5PM Pacific Time. CSSA members are part of a larger, unified voice representing California's self storage professionals.
Click on the Membership Benefits link to read information about the benefits CSSA offers its members.
Membership Application
Joining CSSA is simple. Click here for the online application or call us at (888) 887-CSSA to join by phone. Membership is $100 for on-site property managers, $175 for owners/operators/regional managers, and $275 for vendors. Featured Memberships are available for $550.
Q: When is the next CSSA event and how do I register?
A: For information on our upcoming events please review our calendar or email info@cssaweb.com or call our office toll free at (888) 887-CSSA (2772).
Q: What is self storage and why would I use it?
A: Self storage, also known as mini storage, refers to 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 their belongings. Businesses frequently use self storage to store inventory or paperwork rather than having to lease 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 entry gates so that they are not forced to make appointments to access their goods.
Q: How can our company advertise to the members of the California Self Storage Association? Can we get your mailing list?
A: CSSA has a membership classification designed to help suppliers and other members of the association contact each other. Several member benefits have been specifically designed to help vendors get access to the membership. All owner members get a copy hard copy of the annual Membership Directory. Vendor members can access our membership spreadsheet by emailing info@cssaweb.com. Featured vendor members are listed on our web site and receive referrals from our association staff. Advertising opportunities are available through sponsorship of CSSA events, our Newsletter and our Membership Directory.
Q: I am interested in becoming more involved in the self storage industry. What should I do?
A: Join the CSSA, where you can attend education seminars that are tailored to specifically address issues within California’s self storage industry, and provide you with great networking opportunities.
The CSSA also recommends joining the SSA, which is the national Self Storage Association. The SSA offers education seminars and tradeshows across the U.S., newsletters, publications and many other useful tools. For additional information on the National Self Storage Association please visit www.selfstorage.org.
Q: I am interested in owning a self storage facility. Where can I find information on acquiring and/or developing a facility?
A: Check out the information and links on our Founding Corporate Sponsors and Featured Members pages; such companies may be able to assist you with your needs.
Q: I would like to have a company manage my self storage facility and/or have a consulting company analyze my self storage facility. Do you know where I can find information regarding property management and consulting companies?
A: Again, please check out the information and links on our Founding Corporate Sponsors and Featured Members pages, where you can find companies that may be able to assist you with your needs.
Q: How many storage facilities are there in California?
A: The CSSA has not compiled statistical data about the number of self storage facilities in California, but it is believed that there are around 4,500 facilities.
Q: I am storing my belongings at one of the CSSA's member facilities and I am having trouble resolving an issue with that property, can the CSSA help me?
A: All CSSA members are expected to adhere to a level of professionalism; however, the CSSA does not get directly involved in matters concerning individual facility disputes. We encourage you to first take up the matter with the management company that operates the facility where you are storing your belongings, and then seek legal assistance if necessary to resolve the issue.
Q: What are the rights and liabilities of self storage owners/operators and/or self storage tenants?
A: The CSSA is prohibited from giving legal advice, however, our members who are also members of the national SSA are encouraged to join the Self Storage Legal Network (SSLN). The SSLN is a convenient way to have legal questions answered accurately and quickly by attorneys with substantial experience in the self storage industry. For an annual subscription fee, there is no limit to how many times you may contact the SSLN for legal information. To sign up for this program, please contact the SSA at (703) 921-9123.
Q: The lien process is complicated and always changing, where can I find up-to-date information about California's lien laws?
A: The CSSA offers a publication that outlines the CA Lien Laws as written under the California Business and Professions code. This publication, titled “The California Self Storage Lien Law Annotated”, was written by Joseph Joiner, D. Carlos Kaslow and Scott I. Zucker. It offers commentary by the writers, sample forms and more. This is a great resource to have on hand for training and new employees. Protect yourself with a clear understanding of our states guidelines in regard to the Lien Sale process. This book sells for only $20.00 and is currently only offered to CSSA members. To order please visit http://www.cssaweb.com/Annotated_State_Lien_Laws_Page_and_Order_form.pdf
Q: Where can I obtain a current California self storage rental agreement?
A: Carlos Kaslow, of the Self Storage Legal Review, headed up the CSSA's efforts to create a standardized rental agreement that is now available to all CSSA members for a nominal fee. For just $299, CSSA members will get a CD, and a hard copy of the model agreement, as well as instructions for its use. Our hope is that by offering our members a model for creating a current and reliable lease we will be able to give California operators a degree of protection from unnecessary legal disputes. Call us today at (888) 887-CSSA if you would like to purchase this agreement. There is also an addendum to the rental agreement geared directly towards RV and Boat Storage.
Q: Besides the standardized lease, what other forms are available?
A: At this time, there are no other forms available. To suggest forms you would like, click here to contact the main office so that your suggestion can be passed on to the Board of Directors for consideration for development.
Q: I am interested in building a self storage facility. I need information on almost everything from how to best use my land to designing unit mixes. Do you provide this information?
A: The featured vendor members provide a great resource to prospective builders and developers. You can also purchase books from the Self Storage Association which will better assist you in understanding your prospective market. Click here for more information on SSA publications.
Q: Where can I get legal help?
A: Our members who are also direct members of the SSA are encouraged to join the Self Storage Legal Network (SSLN). The SSLN is a convenient way to have legal questions answered accurately and quickly by attorneys with substantial experience in the self storage industry. For an annual subscription fee, there is no limit to how many times you may contact the SSLN for legal information. To sign up for this program, please contact the SSA at (703) 921-9123. Additionally, several members of the CSSA are attorneys who specialize in self storage legal matters. They can provide you with accurate legal advice and interpretation of laws pertaining to self storage in California. Contact the office for how to reach these individuals.
Q: How do I get your newsletter?
A: Our quarterly newsletter, The California Self-Storage Report, is full of industry news, updates and member benefits. To review the latest copy of our please visit http://www.cssaweb.com/newsletter.pdf. For information on contributing or advertising in our newsletter please contact our office at info@cssaweb.com or (888) 887-CSSA (2772).
Q: What is the difference between CSSA and the SSA (Self Storage Assocation)?
A: The SSA is a national non-profit trade association and its scope is national in nature. CSSA provides a more local focus and answers the needs and trends of conducting business in the State of California. Most issues facing self storage facilities are local in nature.
Q: How do I find a storage unit to rent?
A: The CSSA will soon launch our facility directory, a benefit soon available to all of our “Owner” members. Please check back as we anticipate this feature to be active in the near future.
To search for a facility please visit our featured member partner, USStorageSearch.com
http://www.usstoragesearch.com/.
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