Living in a Self-Storage unit is illegal in most areas and poses serious safety and liability risks for facility owners. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that many operators face at some point.
The good news? By spotting the warning signs early, you can prevent a small problem from becoming a costly legal mess.
Here are 10 signs that a tenant might be secretly living at your facility—and what to watch for.
1. Unusual hours of access.
The first sign that someone may be living at your facility is unusual hours of access. If you notice a tenant consistently accessing their unit late at night or very early in the morning, this could be a red flag. People who live in their storage units tend to use them outside of normal business hours to avoid detection. Make sure your access logs are regularly checked for unusual activity, like access during odd hours.
2. Visible personal items outside of their storage unit.
Look out for personal items stored outside of the unit. If you notice things like furniture, clothes, or appliances left outside or near the storage unit, it’s a sign that someone may be trying to set up a temporary living situation. Storage units are meant to store belongings, not to house living essentials. If personal items start appearing outside of the unit, it’s time to investigate further.
3. Presence of appliances and bedding.
If you find blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, or even small refrigerators or microwaves near or inside a storage unit, this could indicate that someone is trying to live in the space. People who are using storage units as living spaces often bring in basic appliances and sleeping equipment to make the space more comfortable. A quick walk through your facility can help you spot these items.
4. Significant amount of foot traffic.
If you notice a tenant consistently walking to and from their unit during off-peak hours, or if you hear strange noises like conversations or footsteps in the unit at night, it’s a possible indicator that the unit is being used as a living space. Storage units are usually quiet, so any increase in foot traffic or sounds can be a sign that something’s off.
5. Unit’s door is often open.
Another sign to watch out for is a unit door that’s frequently left open. If a tenant is living in the unit, they’ll likely want easy access to their space, which means the door may stay open during the day or at night. This could also lead to other signs like noise, lighting at odd hours, or evidence of activity in or around the unit. If you see a unit’s door is almost always open, it’s worth keeping an eye on.
6. Evidence of electrical or water hookup.
Some people who are living in storage units might try to hook up their own lights, fans, or even small water tanks to make the unit more comfortable. If you find any electrical equipment or hoses that don’t belong, it’s a clear sign that the tenant might be making modifications to the unit for living purposes. This is against most storage facility rules and could create a safety hazard.
7. Personal hygiene products or toiletries.
Keep an eye out for personal hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoos, or soap. These items are typically not stored in self-storage units unless someone is living in the unit. If you find an unusually high quantity of toiletries or personal hygiene items, this could indicate that a tenant is using the unit as a place to sleep or stay for long periods.
8. Increased use of the facility’s bathroom.
A tenant who is living at the facility may also be using the restroom more frequently, especially if they’re trying to avoid using their unit for these activities. If you notice that certain tenants are using the restroom excessively or bringing in large bags, it could be a sign that they’re spending a lot of time on the property and possibly living in the unit. Stay observant of this behavior to identify any patterns.
9. Evidence of cooking and strange smells.
If your facility has a kitchenette or common areas and you notice a tenant regularly cooking in or around their unit, this could be another sign that they’re living there. Unusual cooking odors, burnt food, or the presence of cooking supplies like portable stoves or hot plates should be flagged immediately. This is an obvious violation of most Self-Storage facility rules.
10. Long-term leases or extended rental periods.
Long-term leases and extended rental periods can sometimes point to a tenant living at your facility. While long-term rentals aren’t necessarily a problem, it’s important to keep track of how long someone has been renting and how often they are accessing their unit. Tenants who are paying for long-term use might be trying to hide their living situation in a place that’s supposed to be for storage only.
To wrap things up, if you see any one of these signs, it’s important to act quickly.
If you’re considering buying or selling storage facilities nationwide, Calvary Realty is here to help. Backed by a 5-star Google rating and hundreds of satisfied clients, we’re committed to delivering results you can count on. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to helping you maximize your investment success.
Contact:
Brandon Robinson
(909) 380-0073
Brobinson@CalvaryRealty.com
Ingla Robinson
(909) 380-0073
irobinson@CalvaryRealty.com
Source: Calvary Realty
