Firearms Storage for Renters

[KillroyWasHere]

I’m looking to maybe buy my first firearm sometime this year or next. The main thing that is stopping me is that I’m currently a renter and in my renters agreement it states that we are not allowed to store firearms in my apartment. I like where I live and I don’t want to break the rules. So I’m looking for an alternative storage solution for people that are in my situation. PS for anyone who has found a solution in the Cleveland Ohio area I’m all ears.

 

[jaholder1971]

First off, I'd check to see if state law even allows them to write that into the lease. Contrary to some of the wannabe dictator, I mean libertarians on here just because it's their apartment means it's always their rules. If the lease agreement violates state law then that portion is worthless.

If it's still a valid stipulation, you may be forced to rent a self storage unit or something. Just use lots of dessicant.

 

[bigfatdave]

1-that clause of your lease is probably not legal
2-that clause of your lease is surely unenforceable
3-Firearms storage isn't much different than other valuables storage

I use a small fire safe with dessicant, I'm now kicking myself for not getting a larger model. Look for a decent security container at least.

 

[InkEd]

I do not imagine that rule is enforced too much. It was probably put in as away to easily evict gangbangers or other undesirable peope without the need for any other reason.

Furthermore, if the gun is stored in a place where it is not in plain sight by an apartment employee doing maintaince or something then there is no way for them to know you have it. If someone sees it spraying for bugs or something when you are at work or whatever, then you start asking more importantly where the heck your rolex and petty cash has gone to because they were both right there next to the gun!

I think such a clause is absurded. What if you are some kind of Leo or security that requires you be armed? That job pays your rent. Do they have something against cops and security personel?

 

[KillroyWasHere]

Alright I'll look into it further and see what I dig up.

 

[Cosmoline]

Whether you want to break the lease term is up to you. I prefer to rent from places that don't put stupid restrictions in the leases.

As far as storing, I use a large knaack tool box.

 

[chaim]

I'd bet it is a legal clause, it seems to be pretty common. I'd bet that it is there to keep their insurance company happy (perceived liability).

If you choose to get an outside storage unit be sure that it is legal. I'd bet at least it will be against the storage facility's policy (when I was living at home most of my guns were in a storage facility, and it was technically against their policies, but I befriended the managers and they had no problem with guns being there). Many storage units are pretty flimsy metal, and all will be locked by your (easily cut) padlock. Be sure to invest in a safe of some kind as well.

If you choose to ignore the clause in your lease, be sure to get a safe that doesn't scream "gun." If management comes into your apartment for something and then finds your gun you can be evicted. Also, count on being evicted as part of the consequences if you are involved in a self-defense shoot at home (I'd rather be evicted and alive than dead because I didn't have my gun).

 

[goon]

I ran into the same situation last year. Rather than be defenseless, I took my SP-101 with me and a small safe, discretely secured said safe, and kept my freakin mouth shut about it. Only my closest friends knew I had a gun there. Later, I took a 10/22 with me and didn't really have that hard of a time smuggling it in and out.
Do what you think best.

 

[Frank Ettin]

The clause may or may not be valid and enforceable. It depends entirely on your state and local law. And the best way to check that out is to consult a qualified, local attorney.

If it is valid and enforceable, you're risking eviction if the landlord finds out. It's probably unlikely that he will find out, but unlikely things happen from time to time. How lucky do you feel?

Whether or not the landlord is likely to act if he does find out will depend in part on how strongly he personally objects to tenants having guns. He may be using a form lease and not have even thought about that clause, or he could be virulently anti-gun. And whether or not he takes action will also depend on current market conditions where you are. If there are few vacancies, he can probably count on finding a new tenant right away if he tosses you out. But if there's a lot available residential rentals around, he'll be less likely to put you out on the street (where you probably won't stay too long) and wind up with an empty apartment for an extended period of time.

I have no ideal what the answers are. Some folks here might make some guess, but I have no would actually know what your landlord's attitude really is and what your market conditions actually are.

 

[billybobjoe]

I ALWAYS have a gun and no one EVER knows.

 

[22-rimfire]

Sounds like a college apartment. If it were me, I would just keep the storage discreet and not worry about it. Other alternatives are keep firearm in car (not a good idea), rent storage unit (also not a good idea and too expensive unless climate controlled), bank safety deposit box, friend or relative's house, or storage locker.

5 x 5 ft storage unts generally run under $50/month. That would probably be the easiest approach but kind of expensive from my point of view unless you have other things to store. I have never seen a place that rents lockers, but that is the size you need. I would inquire pricing at the climate controlled places and see what you come up with.

 

[billybobjoe]

They let you walk into a bank with a gun?

 

[content]

Hello friends and neighbors // Do you have a friend who can store them and would go in on half the cost of a safe?

You both win, they get to keep safe, you have a secure climate controled storage unit.
Your money does not go to a storage company but goes to help your friend store/secure their weapons also.
Five of us hunt on a friends land and we all use his safe for at least one weapon.(free)


Good luck, content

 

[woad_yurt]

KillroyWasHere:
Just keep mum, is all. No one would know unless you tell them.

A little safe wouldn't hurt, either, for when you're not there, in case there's a fire, leak, etc. If anyone finds or sees the safe, don't tell 'em what's inside.

Note: In your state, it may be illegal to ignore a property owner's wish to have no guns on his/her premises. Go check.

 

[rtroha]

Here is the relevant law:

(b) A landlord may not prohibit or restrict a tenant who is a licensee and who on or after the effective date of this amendment enters into a rental agreement with the landlord for the use of residential premises, and the tenant’s guest while the tenant is present, from lawfully carrying or possessing a handgun on those residential premises.

http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2923.126

Notice that it only applies if you have a Concealed Handgun License and it only applies to "handguns", not long guns. The law went into effect 9-9-08.

 

[stonecutter2]

They let you walk into a bank with a gun?

As far as I've heard, from a bank's perspective, the less they know about the contents of your safety deposit box, the better.

Obviously safety deposit boxes wouldn't fit rifles, so this would only apply to handguns.

Make sure the gun is unloaded and you don't bring any ammunition with you, and don't carry your gun case in with you or anything obvious to indicate you're bringing a gun in - put things in a box temporarily or something, if you have to. Make sure the deposit box is adequate in size to hold what you need.

Get your deposit box rental set up, then they'll put you in a private room. Put your stuff in and then they'll help you put it away and lock it up. When you go to get the gun out, they'll bring the box to your private room and you can remove what you want.

I keep coins and other important documents, heirlooms, etc in my deposit box, but only I know exactly what's in there.

 

[chaim]

They let you walk into a bank with a gun?

It has been about a decade, but I used to work in branch level banking (first a teller, then an account rep/account manager). Storing firearms in a safe deposit box is illegal. However, the bank won't ask what you put in there, they have to provide you with privacy and they will probably have a stall with a door so you can open your safe box in private. So, it is illegal, but if you pay your bills most likely no one will know (if you don't pay your box rent, eventually they will have your lock drilled out). I am absolutely not advocating illegally storing them there. However, many think it is legal since they've never had trouble and I'm just pointing out why they've never had a problem.

 

[thorazine]

The main thing that is stopping me is that I’m currently a renter and in my renters agreement it states that we are not allowed to store firearms in my apartment. I like where I live and I don’t want to break the rules.

Just store it and ensure you tell no one.




Unless there are metal detectors and mind reading devices at the gates -- you should be okay.

 

[KillroyWasHere]

Unless there are metal detectors and mind reading devices at the gates -- you should be okay.

I would never move into a place like that.

Rtroha, That's what I was looking for. My goal is to get my CCW.