Renting a lock-up garage: what to ask before you sign

What lock-up garages are good for, the questions to ask before renting one, and how to keep what's inside dry and secure.

Lock-ups are often the cheapest dry, lockable space in town. A few questions avoid surprises.

Will it fit?

Many garage blocks were built for 1960s and 70s cars. Measure the door opening and the internal length before you sign, especially for a modern estate, a van or a motorbike with a trailer.

Is it dry?

Look at the roof and the floor at the back wall after rain. A few bricks and a pallet keep things off a damp floor.

Power and light

Most lock-ups have neither. A battery lantern does the job. If you need power for charging or tools, look for a listing that offers it.

What the agreement allows

Storage is fine everywhere. Running a business from a lock-up, with repairs, deliveries or customers, usually isn't.

Security

Up-and-over doors are easy to force. A ground anchor or a garage door defender adds a lot of protection for little cost, if the agreement allows it.

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