Frequently Asked Questions

New Tenant Questions

How do I rent a unit?

Although we do not have an onsite rental office we offer two convenient ways to get you started.  If you would like to rent a unit, please call us at 541-385-0563 or email info@empireministorageor.com during regular business hours. From there, you will speak with a real person and we will walk you through our available units and prices. The second way to rent, is to access our available units on our website www.empireministorageor.com. You can reserve a unit for $20 which will be applied towards your first month's rent. Once we receive your reservation request, we will call you and schedule a time to meet you at the storage facility and assign you a gate code.

 What types of payments are accepted?

Our website accepts most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Discover) as well as electronic checks. Other payments can be made via check and mailed to 70 SW Century Dr. Ste 100 PMB 158, Bend OR 97702. Cash is accepted only at the time of move in, as a one time occurrence, to cover deposits, fees, prorated rent, etc.  

What type of fees can I expect upon move-in?

All you pay upon completing your rental application is the pro-rated amount for the first month's rent, a $10.00 one-time administration fee, and a refundable $40.00 security deposit. We do require all tenants to use a disc lock and have them available for purchase of $11.00 should you need one.

How does billing work?

When you move into your unit, your first month's rent fee will be pro-rated until the 1st of the following month. Your future charges will then be due on a month-to-month basis until you move-out. As a courtesy, account statements are emailed to tenants seven (7) days before the rent due date. No physical statements or invoices are mailed so we strongly encourage tenants to provide a valid email address when renting. You can make payments either by mail, by phone during normal business hours, or on our website at www.empireministorgeor.com. If you decide you no longer need your unit, simply remove all contents, be sure unit is left broom clean and take your lock with you before the 1st of the following month. Per your lease agreement a "10-Day Move-Out Notice" is required.  If you don not provide the 10 day notice your deposit will be forfeited. 

What if I only need a storage unit for one month?

No problem! We lease our units on a month-to-month basis, so there are no commitments for a specific amount of time you need to keep your unit. You will be billed on a pro-rated amount from the day you move in, until the first day of the following month. As long as you complete your move out before the first of the following month, you won't be billed again. 

Can I pay my bills online?

Absolutely. Once you complete the rental process, if you haven't already created an account, we will send you a welcome email including your log in information to our website at www.empireministorageor.com. You can then view your current balance, make one-time payments, and even set up automatic recurring payments through the website. Payments can be made online by credit card or with a checking account (e-Checking transactions are processed electronically via ACH). Please note that if you wish to update your contact information, including your email address, you may do so on our website.

Can I use my own lock, or do I have to buy one?

You're more than welcome to use your own lock at our facility assuming it adheres to our requirements of security. If you don't currently have one, don't worry! We offer disc locks for $11.00 if you wish to purchase one. 

What hours can I access my belongings?

Tenants have access to our facility everyday between 6am to 9pm. Not only that, but our website is available to use 24/7 as well for payments, and for tenants needing additional units at any time.

How secure is the facility?

Our facility is monitored throughout the evening by Security Pros, a local Bend, OR business. The facility has ample outdoor lighting installed around the facility for optimal safety and security. In addition, the entire facility is surrounded by a 7 foot chain link fence with barbed wire running along the top of all sections.

Do you offer tenant insurance?

Our facility does not take responsibility for any damage or loss that may occur to a tenants goods while in storage. We do not offer insurance, however, you may wish to consult with your local insurance agent about coverage options, especially since many homeowner's policies typically include some type of self-storage protection in the policy. Be sure to read your policy carefully and ensure you're protected. 

Are there certain items I cannot store?

Yes, in addition to any items outlined in our rental agreement, all tenants upon renting at our facility may NOT store any of the following:

1. any living creature or organism, or any dead animals or other carcass;

2. gasoline, oil, fuel, grease, anti-freeze, flammable chemicals, or combustible fuel;

3. liquid propane tanks, oxygen tanks, explosives, fire works or ammunition;

4. food, fertilizers, pesticides or items which are wet and could mildew;

5. corrosive, toxic, poisonous, or hazardous materials or waste;

6. asbestos or asbestos-containing construction materials; 

7. law debris (grass clippings, brush etc);

8. construction debris, tires, oil or batteries, whether new or used;

9. items having a noxious smell in Lessor's sole judgment;

10. marijuana and/or controlled substances of any kind;

11. prohibited weapons under the Oregon Penal Code; or

12. stolen property, and items illegal for self storage under any law.

Can I store my vehicle in a storage unit?

Maybe. Please consult with the facility manager before renting the unit to be sure there is a spot suitable for the vehicle an that it is eligible for storage. Additional information must be provided prior to rental such as proof of insurance and registration. Helpful hints for vehicle storage include:  

1. Change the oil, filter, brake fluid and coolant. Engine oil contains contaminants that can damage the engine if not changed often enough.

2. Fill your gas tank. Gasoline will absorb the moisture in your tank that would otherwise accumulate and cause the tank to rust. It will also prevent the seals from drying out. If you're storing your car for several months or longer, use a fuel stabilizer.

3. Disconnect the battery. Cars drain their battery even when the engine is off, and you don't want to have to replace the battery once you retrieve your car from storage.

4. Take care of your tires and fill them before you  store.

5. Remove your windshield wipers. The rubber on your wipers can start to stick to your windshield, leaving hard to remove residue. 

6. Prevent dust, dirt and unwanted guests from getting inside. Use a car cover.

7. Release your parking brake. If you leave your parking brake pads on for too long, they can fuse with the rotors. Stick chocks under the wheels instead. 

Existing Tenant Questions

How do I rent an additional unit?

It's actually very easy to rent an additional unit once you already have one at our facility. Simply visit our website www.empireministorageor.com and after logging in you'll be brought to the main screen. Select rent unit and you can easily reserve a unit. 

Can I transfer to a different unit?

If you find you may have too much space, or not enough, it's simple to transfer to another unit. Please call us at 541-385-0563 and we would be happy to help. 

 I forgot my gate code!

No problem! (Keep in mind that if your account shows a past due balance, this code may be deactivated).  You will need to call us at 541-385-0563 to confirm your identity and receive your gate code.

When is my rent due?

When you move into your unit, rental charges are pro-rated through the first of the following month. This makes your rent payment due on the first of every month. Customers with automatic payments setup on their account will see their credit card or bank account charged on this day. Payments are considered late after the 10th day of each month. If payment is not received by the 10th of each month, your gate code will be temporarily disabled until payment is made. Keep in mind you can pay any time online to bring your account current, but re-activation of the gate code will be complete the following business day.

Is there a late fee if I don't pay by the due date?

Although your payment is technically due on the first of every month, we do not charge a late fee until the 11th of the month. A non-refundable $25 late fee will be added to your account. You will continue to be billed at the agreed upon rate, plus any additional late fees for subsequent months until your account no longer has a balance, or your items have been cleared from your unit.

If I am behind on my payments, will my belongings be auctioned off?

There is quite a lengthy process that has to take place in order for your belongings to go through the foreclosure process to be auctioned. You'll receive several notices before this time via phone, e-mail, regular mail, as well as certified mail for the formal Notice of Lien documents. Please be sure to keep your contact information up to date so we are able to contact you in case you accidentally get behind on payments.

I'm done with my unit, how do I move out?

The move out process is really simple. Because we bill month to month, you have paid until the end of the current month. We require a 10 day move out notice. Any notice given less than 10 days, the prorated amount will be removed from the security deposit. After you have cleaned out your unit and ensured the unit is clean, simply remove the lock from the unit, and leave the door closed. We walk around the facility weekly to check locks, and once we see your lock has been removed and the unit is clean and emptied, we'll automatically move you out of the unit and mail you a move out receipt. At this point no further charges will be due and your account will be cancelled.