RTO Contracts: Protecting Your Shed Business from Legal Pitfalls

Shed Geek Podcast

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Ever wonder what happens when a rent-to-own customer stops paying? Or what legal pitfalls could be lurking in your contracts? The shed industry faces unique legal challenges that can make or break your business.
Attorney Nick Garrard joins us to share his 12 years of legal expertise in the rent-to-own shed industry. What began as a single case in 2012 has grown into a specialized practice serving shed businesses across the country. Nick breaks down the most common legal issues he encounters—from the dangers of "bootleg contracts" to the murky concept of "breach of peace" during repossessions.
We dive deep into the evolving role of the National Shed Rental Association (NSRA), which is transforming from simply hosting an annual conference to becoming a year-round membership organization with educational resources, legal guidance, and industry standards. This change represents the shed industry's maturation and growing need for professional development and accountability.
Perhaps most valuable is Nick's practical advice on state-specific contract requirements. Using a contract designed for one state in another jurisdiction could invalidate your entire agreement—potentially forcing you to surrender ownership of sheds to customers who've barely paid. Similarly, Nick explains why referring to rent-to-own transactions as "financing" creates serious legal complications during bankruptcy proceedings.
Whether you're a manufacturer, dealer, or rent-to-own provider, this episode delivers crucial insights to protect your business from costly legal mistakes. Join us in Knoxville this September for the NSRA conference to learn more, or connect directly with Nick at WilkinsPatterson.com for specialized guidance.

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Studio Sponsor: Shed Pro

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Chapters

1. RTO Contracts: Protecting Your Shed Business from Legal Pitfalls (00:00:00)

2. Meet Attorney Nick Gerard (00:01:33)

3. APRO vs NSRA: Understanding Industry Associations (00:10:05)

4. NSRA Transformation: From Conference to Full Membership (00:19:32)

5. Legal Dangers of "Bootleg" Contracts (00:27:59)

6. Breach of Peace in Shed Repossession (00:39:00)

7. The Future of Rent-to-Own Industry (00:51:10)

8. Education as Foundation for Industry Growth (01:11:45)