Built on Trust: Why Long-Term Tenants Are the Backbone of Storage Success
In real estate, it’s easy to get caught up in acquisition metrics and NOI projections. But at Boring & Co, we believe one of the most valuable indicators of operational strength is also one of the quietest: tenant retention.
Tenant Tuesday is more than a routine check-in. It’s our opportunity to honor the individuals, families, and small businesses who stay—not just for a lease term, but year after year. These tenants don’t just fill units—they shape the culture of the property and strengthen the foundation of our business.
What Long-Term Tenants Tell Us
When a tenant chooses to renew, it signals more than convenience. It’s a reflection of:
Trust in the property’s security and cleanliness
Respect for how the team communicates and solves problems
Satisfaction with the value delivered over time
We recently pulled data from several BOCO facilities and found that over 30% of tenants have been with us for more than 24 months. That’s not just rare in this industry—it’s strategic.
High retention reduces marketing costs, stabilizes cash flow, and builds word-of-mouth reputation in the community. But more than that, it creates continuity—a rhythm of reliability that’s good for both the business and its people.
Meet One of Our Longest-Staying Tenants
At one of our Texas properties, a small business owner named Maria has rented storage units with BOCO since 2019. What started as overflow space for seasonal inventory has turned into a five-year partnership built on mutual respect.
Maria shared: “It’s not just that the units are clean—it’s that the people care. I’ve called after hours and someone always follows up. I’ve expanded twice and they made it simple. I don’t even shop around anymore.”
That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from luck. It comes from consistency, communication, and systems that make tenants feel supported.
Retention Is an Operational Metric—Not Just a Marketing One
Too often, retention is seen as a downstream outcome. At BOCO, we view it as a lead indicator. That’s why we track tenant sentiment, follow up on move-outs, and empower property managers to build relationships, not just close leases.
We’ve also found that long-term tenants tend to model respectful behavior—timely payments, clear communication, and care for the property. In that way, tenants shape tenant culture, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits everyone.
People Stay Where They Feel Seen
Whether someone is storing inventory, downsizing, or transitioning through a major life event, we know one thing: they’re more likely to stay when they feel understood.
That’s why we invest in people-first training, clear SOPs for responsiveness, and on-site staff who listen before they respond. Because when someone stays with us year after year, they’re not just a unit number—they’re part of the property’s story.
