Category: Sponsored

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…

The new enterprise-level platform simplifies navigation, streamlines operations, and delivers an intuitive experience for self-storage operators worldwide. Janus International Group, Inc. (NYSE: JBI) (“Janus” or the “Company”), a leading provider of cutting-edge access control technologies and building product solutions for the self-storage and other commercial and industrial sectors, today announced the launch of it’s newly designed web portal, marking a milestone in it’s ongoing commitment to delivering seamless, enterprise level experiences for operators to run their facilities more efficiently. The redesigned Nokē Web Portal gives operators the ability to manage…

The access control decisions you make are vital to securing your self-storage property, but security isn’t the only factor that goes into the equation. In fact, there are pros and cons of vertical lift gates and cantilever slide gates that you’ll want to think about as well as questions you should be asking yourself to get the right fit for your facility. Get the Right Fit Many properties are getting tighter on space as land costs go up, so a gate that works within those site constraints is crucial. In…

Some facilities seem to have it all—great location, good unit mix, strong market demand—and yet they still underperform. After lease up, occupancy stalls and net operating income (NOI) stagnates. More often than not, the issue isn’t the facility itself; it’s the management approach. This could manifest as inconsistent operations, outdated processes, poor tenant communication, lackluster marketing, or all of the above If left untreated, mismanagement can quietly erode your asset’s value and performance. But there is good news. A mismanaged facility can be transformed into a high-performing, revenue-generating asset with…

Superior Capital Advisors (SCA), a leading investment advisory firm exclusively focused on the self-storage sector, is proud to announce that Matt Porter has joined the team as Managing Broker in the firm’s new Oxford, MS office. Matt will represent clients across Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Alabama, expanding SCA’s presence and strategic reach in the Southeastern U.S. With over five years of experience and a proven track record in the self-storage industry, Matt has successfully brokered 42 transactions totaling more than 1.2 million net rentable square feet. His deep knowledge…

Sentry Self Storage Management, based out of Coral Springs, FL., is pleased to announce it has officially assumed management responsibilities for the Your Extra Storage (YES) portfolio, encompassing three self-storage properties in Knoxville, Tennessee. These locations bring 1,300 units and 170k net rentable square feet to Sentry’s management platform. This new partnership marks the expansion of Sentry Self Storage Management’s footprint into the thriving Knoxville market. The YES portfolio is well-regarded for its convenient locations and quality storage solutions, making it a valuable addition to Sentry’s managed properties. “We are…

58% of people will rent from the first self-storage facility that they call, according to SSA’s 2023 Self Storage Demand Study. Even in a digital-first world, there will always be a segment of tenants who want to speak to a real person on the phone. Consequently, operators who consistently pick up the phone have a better chance of closing more leads and raking in more revenue. But it’s almost impossible to maintain a high pick-up rate if you’re relying on a single site manager. One person simply can’t respond to…

A lot has changed over the last 12 months, and we are starting to see “green shoots” as the bottom of the market is hopefully near. Factors impacting much of the U.S. economy are evident in the self-storage industry, which produced modest rent growth in July 2025 according to data compiled by Yardi Matrix, but also a slower-than-anticipated rental season, much to the disappointment of many industry insiders. After a white-hot listing market in April and May, new listings seemed to slow down in June and July. Meanwhile, Argus closings…

Since the run-up in interest rates began in 2022, understanding the complete opportunity set of commercial real estate mortgage loan types available to self-storage investors has never been more important. CMBS In order to remain competitive in a higher interest rate environment, CMBS issuers have modified their underwriting criteria. Most borrowers opt for 5-year fixed-rate loans with full-term interest-only payments. The advantage of this execution is that CMBS issuers are willing to underwrite to a minimum debt service coverage ratio (DSCR) utilizing interest-only debt service payments rather than a mortgage…

While rent is the primary revenue driver, self-storage owners can significantly increase sales and profitability by strategically implementing a variety of strategies focusing on value-added services, optimizing operations, marketing, and enhancing the customer experience. Here’s a breakdown of key areas to focus on: 1. Ancillary Services and Retail Sales Offer tenant insurance or protection plans: This provides a valuable service to tenants while generating commissions for the facility. Many renters aren’t aware that their homeowners’ or renters’ insurance may not fully cover stored items, making this a crucial offering. Tenant protection…