I recently considered moving my storage to Trunk Space and had a genuinely warm interaction with Ricky and Mark. They were friendly, helpful, and positioned the company as family run and tenant focused. I was told that although the rate was discounted, they do not raise rent in a predatory way and treat people with fairness and respect.
The unit itself was great. It was near the elevator, spacious, and even had a light. (see picture) That was a rare and welcome feature.
But when I read the contract, it told a very different story. I have included screenshots here so others can see the exact wording for themselves.
1. They waive all liability for your belongings.
The agreement states that if your property is damaged or stolen, even due to theft, fire, water, chemicals, rodents, or the negligence of their own employees, they are not responsible. You waive all claims, no matter the cause.
(what's the point of having all those security camera's if they can drill your lock and take your things and you can't do anything about it?)
2. They can raise your rent at any time, by any amount.
The lease gives them the right to change any term -- including the rent -- at their sole discretion, with just 30 days' notice. If you do not agree to the new terms, your only option is to move out. There is no cap on increases.
(See image titled "Change of Terms")
3. They say your current rate is up to 80 percent below their normal rate.
This is written directly into the agreement. It strongly suggests that a major price increase is not just possible but expected.
(See image titled "Discounted Rate")
4. You waive your rights under California Civil Code Section 1542.
This law protects people from unknowingly giving up their right to pursue future claims. It is a basic consumer protection. By including this waiver, Trunk Space shields itself from liability even for problems you could not have foreseen. That kind of clause is something you might expect in a legal settlement, not a standard storage contract.
The contrast between what was said in person and what was written in the lease felt like a bait and switch. The conversation was thoughtful and came with personal assurances. The contract was aggressive and removed nearly every protection a tenant would reasonably expect.
I walked away. If you are considering Trunk Space, read the lease carefully before signing. The tone in person does not match the terms in writing.
Also, parking is very limited. So if you come on a busy Saturday or Sunday, you may find it hard to get a spot. Then again, based on this agreement, you might be the only one renting from them, so at least you will have the place to yourself. read more