Security is a major concern for most people when selecting a self storage unit. Since you will not be on the premises to keep an eye on your belongings, you want to make sure the facility has enough security measures in place to deter any possible thieves or vandals. Controlled access self storage facilities greatly reduce the risk of break-ins by restricting the public’s access to the rental units. The drawback to using a controlled access storage rental instead of a self access rental is that you will also be restricted in your ability to open your storage unit.

Controlled access facilities generally use an access gate with a keypad to prevent unauthorized entry to the storage unit area. Access control systems can be integrated with the management software, sometimes referred to as accounting software. This integration allows for a single point of entry for customer information. When you “move in” the customer in the management software, the information is automatically transmitted to the access control system, setting the customer code and allowing access to the facility. If the customer becomes delinquent or past due, the management software automatically notifies the access control program and the guilty tenants are automatically locked out. This feature increases your opportunity to collect the past due rent, helping to prevent customer move-outs, especially after the office has closed.

Other common control systems include fingerprint readers or access cards given to renters, similar to the system used for hotel keys. These electronic forms of access control allow the facility manager to permit certain tenants to enter the property at different hours. This may be a popular option for business clients using the property for file storage. To request this after-hours access, you may be required to submit to more in-depth background check procedures.

For even more security, door alarms can also be installed on the door of each storage unit. One new option in door alarms is using an innovative latch and switch setup. This can be mounted on the door rail and will detect the latch as it passes by the switch. This provides a number of benefits over the traditional track mounted alarm. It is obviously more secure and harder to break into, but also will eliminate many of the common false alarms that are triggered with the standard model. The latch and switch alarms are also much easier to install and can be more economical for the storage facility owner when labor time is considered over all of the property’s rental units.

These individual alarms on the storage units can be used to protect customers from theft by other authorized renters at the facility. When a customer uses the keypad to enter the facility, their specific alarm is turned off or disarmed. When they leave the premises, the computer system would reset the alarm on the door of their storage unit. Individual door alarms prevent the unauthorized entry into specific storage units. This occurs when a legitimate customer enters their PIN on the access gate’s keypad. Then they loiter around the premises cutting locks on other people’s units and moving the selected items to their rented space. The door alarm on each unit would track the unauthorized entry and the opening and closing of the door, making it easy to locate the thief and identify them personally.

Controlled access storage may not be the best for you if you need to allow several family members to open your storage unit. Check with the facility manager as every storage company will have a different policy on who can have access to your stored items. Some facilities will allow any one who has your key and code to have access to your storage unit. Others have more strict procedures and may require advance notice if you are sending some one else to access your unit. You may even have to give written consent, and your representative may have to show identification before being allowed to enter your storage unit.

Most controlled access self storage facilities have some sort of camera surveillance setup. A video surveillance system can also go a long way in protecting your long-term storage rental unit. Even with an on-site residential manager, it is impossible to watch every area of the property at once. A good system of cameras can make it easy for the manager to scan the entire premises by glancing at a set of monitors. Video surveillance may also be a deterrent for potential crimes if its presence is announced by signs on premises.

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