Large crops may create a storage crunch. The answer depends upon condition of the bin, handling or unloading equipment, drying or aeration capability, and bin location. The bin owner would like to recover all costs and earn a return on investment. This could be a starting point for lease negotiation. Most grain bins rent for something less than commercial storage charges.
Commercial storage is usually higher because grain handling and management services are provided.
The elevator also assumes some of the risk associated with storage. Depending upon competition and storage availability, typical historical commercial storage rates have been 3 to 4 cents per bushel per month for actual bushels weighed in. In comparison, grain bin rents are often 1 or 2 cents per bushel per month and are usually calculated on bin capacity rather than measured bushels stored. Grain bins are usually rented for several months or a year at a time. One or two months rent wouldn't recover much of the bin owner's cost or investment, so owners prefer that the tenant guarantee a minimum return.