A facility rules sign is a posted list of the main rules tenants must follow. Use the template below, keep it to one page and print it large enough to read from a truck window. It is general information, not legal advice.
When to use it
Post it at the gate, at the office door and on any kiosk. If you use gate access, match the hours to your gate settings. Unmanned and rural sites need it most, because no one is there to say it out loud. See the guide to rules and signs for unmanned facilities and the security and cameras guide.
What the law usually requires
There is no national rule for what a facility sign says. A few state items are worth knowing:
- Office notices. Colorado's act requires the rental agreement to warn that goods may be sold after 30 days of nonpayment, and an office notice to be posted (C.R.S. 38-21.5-101.5 and 104). If your state asks for one, put it on the sign too.
- Lien clause. Texas needs the lien clause in bold or underlined print in the lease (Prop. Code 59.041). A sign alone cannot do that job. Look up your state on the lien laws page.
- Cameras. Camera signs are good practice, but check any local rules on recording.
The sign backs up the lease. A rule on the sign that is not in the lease is hard to enforce. Say a tenant stores paint cans against a posted rule, and the lease has a "no hazardous materials" clause. You can cite the lease. If only the sign says it, you have a weaker case. Fix this by copying each sign rule into the rental agreement.
How to fill it in
- Hours. Match the lease and the gate code policy.
- Prohibited items. Short list, plain words.
- Driving. Speed limit and one-way lanes, if any.
- Contact. One number that gets answered.
- Office notices. Add any your state requires.
- Print size. Use large type. Test it from 10 feet away.
Common mistakes
- Five paragraphs of fine print.
- A rule on the sign that is not in the lease.
- Hours on the sign that differ from the lease.
- Contact number that goes to voicemail.
- A sign that faces the wrong way or sits where trucks block it.
- Rules you do not enforce, which weakens every rule.
The template
[FACILITY NAME]
FACILITY RULES
HOURS: Gate open [START TIME] to [END TIME], [DAYS].
1. Tenants only. Do not let others in behind you.
2. Keep your gate code private.
3. Speed limit [NUMBER] mph. Watch for pedestrians.
4. Park only in marked areas. Do not block lanes.
5. No hazardous or flammable materials. No fuel, paint, chemicals,
fireworks or propane.
6. No food, plants or living things.
7. No living, sleeping or working in units.
8. Keep your door closed and locked when you leave.
9. Take all trash with you. Do not use our dumpsters. [EDIT IF YOU ALLOW IT]
10. [CAMERAS IN USE. / NO CAMERAS ON SITE.]
PAST DUE ACCOUNTS may lose gate access. Unpaid units may be sold as
the law and your rental agreement allow.
Emergencies: call 911.
Questions: [PHONE] [EMAIL] [WEBSITE]