Storage agreement for motorhomes and caravans (template)

A written agreement protects both sides: the provider knows what is parked in their hall and who pays for it, the tenant knows what they get for their money and who is liable if something goes wrong. The template below covers the points that most often lead to disputes in practice. It is free, can be adapted freely and does not replace legal advice. Print it or save it as a PDF, fill in the blanks, and both parties sign.

Storage agreement

Between the provider (landlord): name, address, phone, e-mail ____________________________

and the tenant (vehicle keeper): name, address, phone, e-mail ____________________________

1. Subject

The provider lets the tenant use a storage space for the vehicle: make/type ______________, registration ______________, length ____ m, width ____ m, height ____ m. Location of the space: ____________________________ (hall / barn / carport / open pitch, space no. ____). The space is used solely for parking the named vehicle. Sleeping, living or working on the vehicle is not permitted unless agreed otherwise under point 8.

2. Duration

Start: ______________. The agreement is ☐ open-ended ☐ fixed until ______________ (e.g. winter storage until 30 April). A fixed-term agreement ends without notice. An open-ended agreement may be terminated by either party with ____ months’ notice to the end of a month, in writing (letter or e-mail).

3. Rent and payment

The rent is CHF ______ per ☐ month ☐ season ☐ year, payable ☐ monthly in advance ☐ for the whole period in advance, to the account ____________________________. Included in the price: ☐ electricity for trickle charging ☐ water ☐ nothing else. Additionally agreed: ____________________________. A deposit of CHF ______ ☐ is ☐ is not paid and will be refunded within 30 days after the end of the agreement provided the space is undamaged.

4. Access

The tenant has access to the vehicle: ☐ at any time ☐ at the following times ______________ ☐ by appointment with ____ days’ notice. Keys, codes or badges handed over: ______________. The tenant must not pass them on and returns them at the end of the agreement.

5. Provider’s obligations

The provider makes the space available in the agreed condition (dry, drivable, lockable gate if so described) and ensures the vehicle is not damaged by their operations. They do not use the vehicle and move it only in emergencies or by arrangement.

6. Tenant’s obligations

The tenant parks the vehicle only in the assigned space, keeps it clean, stores no gas bottles, fuel or other hazardous substances outside the vehicle and switches off the gas system and main switch before storage if the provider requires it. They report damage to the space immediately.

7. Liability and insurance

The vehicle remains insured through the keeper (third-party liability; partial or full comprehensive cover recommended for theft, fire, hail, natural hazards). The provider is liable only for damage caused by their own gross negligence or intent or that of their auxiliaries. The provider accepts no liability for theft, burglary, natural events, damage by animals or third parties. The provider confirms that storing third-party vehicles has been agreed with their building and liability insurance: ☐ yes ☐ pending.

8. Special agreements

____________________________________________________________ (e.g. metered electricity, winter service, battery charging by the provider, use of the washing bay, overnight stays in the vehicle).

9. End of the agreement

At the end of the agreement the tenant collects the vehicle by the last contract day at the latest. If they fail to do so despite a written reminder and a 30-day grace period, the provider may have it towed and stored at the tenant’s expense. Outstanding rent remains due until collection.

10. Final provisions

Amendments require written form. Swiss law applies; the place of jurisdiction is the provider’s domicile. Each party receives a signed copy.

Place, date ______________ Provider ______________________ Tenant ______________________

Notes on the template

The template assumes the usual split: the vehicle stays insured by its keeper, the provider is liable only for their own gross fault. Providers who want to offer more security (guarded halls, for instance) can extend point 7 but should align it with their insurer. Farmers should check with the municipality before the first rental whether use outside the building zone needs a permit. More under rent out your space and in the questions and answers.

FAQ

Is an oral storage agreement valid?

Yes, in Switzerland a rental agreement can also be concluded orally. Without written form, however, it is almost impossible to prove what was agreed in a dispute, especially regarding liability and notice periods. That is why filling in this template is worthwhile.

Who pays if the motorhome is damaged in the hall?

In principle the vehicle keeper’s insurance. The provider is liable only if they caused the damage through gross negligence or intent, for example with their own vehicle or through a known roof leak. This split is set out in point 7 of the template.

Can I adapt the template?

Yes, it is free and may be used freely. Strike out what does not fit and add your own points under “Special agreements”. For larger amounts or commercial halls, a review by a professional is recommended.