Seven Things That All Bad Self Storage Tenants Do

Jon Fesmire | Apr 17, 2019 @ 09:45 AM

We admit it, this title is a bit tongue-in-cheek. A single bad self storage tenant isn’t likely to do everything on this list. Still, you’re bound to witness a few of these if you use your storage unit often. These are the things you’ll want to avoid doing at your self storage facility.

Avoid these, and you’ll be on your way to proving yourself a model storage tenant. And yes, if you witness someone engaging in these behaviors, discreetly tell someone who works for the facility.

Play Loud Music

There always seem to be people who just can’t listen to music at a volume below a thundering boom. Do they know that the rest of the world doesn’t want to hear their tunes, or that what they enjoy may be grating to someone else’s ears?

Whatever the case, loud music is noise pollution when played at a self storage facility. Perpetrators generally keep it on in their cars or in their units while stacking boxes.

Block Doors

Some bad tenants park their cars or trucks right in front of building access doors, making it difficult for tenants whose units are down a given hallway to get in. They may be unloading boxes and want to park as close as possible to the door. They may think since no one else is there, it’s fine, not realizing that someone who needs access will be there shortly. This can be a big inconvenience for others, who may need to use a farther away, alternate door to get in, all while carrying heavy boxes.

Store Prohibited Items

There are a number of items tenants are prohibited from storing in their units. These include ammunition, radioactive materials, unregistered vehicles, some construction equipment, perishable food, pets, animal remains, illegal or stolen goods, and plants. Many are health hazards, some violate the law, and some attract pests.


When anyone goes to their self storage facility, the goal should be to get in, do their business, and leave.

Self storage facilities are not hangouts, though some people will stay near or inside their unit for hours. This is suspicious behavior and can get a person’s contract revoked.

Live in Their Unit

Homelessness is a serious problem, but sleeping in a self storage unit is not the solution. Storage facilities are simply not made for human habitation.

While it makes sense for some homeless people to keep their possessions in a storage unit, it’s important for them to find a different living situation.

Pay Late

Some tenants follow all the rules, but pay their bill long past the due date. They end up having to pay late fees and cause extra paperwork for the facility. In short, paying late hurts everyone involved.

Don’t Pay at All

Now and then, a tenant will simply stop paying their self storage rent. Thanks to shows like Storage Wars and Auction Hunters, most people know that when you don’t pay your storage rent for long enough, you forfeit your belongings inside and they get auctioned off.

The process to get to that point is long and a lot of work for the facility. It can also seriously impact a person’s credit score. So, if you’re done using your unit, clean it out and close your contract.

As you can see, being a good tenant is easy. One just needs to follow facility rules and use common sense.