If you’re like most people you probably have some stuff stored in a storage facility. Maybe it’s seasonal items that you don’t have room for in your home or maybe you’re in the process of moving and need a place to keep your things until you’re settled into your new place. Whatever the reason self-storage can be a great solution.
But what happens when your storage facility raises its rates without any notice? Can they really do that?
It turns out they can. And it’s pretty common.
Storage facilities are businesses and like any other business they are allowed to change their prices at any time. This includes raising rates.
So if you’re renting a storage unit and the facility raises its rates you will be required to pay the new higher rate. The facility is not required to give you any advance notice of the rate change.
Of course this doesn’t mean that storage facilities can raise rates willy-nilly. They still have to adhere to the terms of their lease agreement with you. So if the lease agreement says that rates can only be raised once per year or that the facility must give you 30 days’ notice of any rate changes then the storage facility must abide by those terms.
If you’re concerned about potential rate increases you may want to consider a storage facility that offers fixed rates. With this type of agreement the facility agrees to keep your rates the same for a set period of time typically one year. That way you don’t have to worry about being hit with a sudden rate increase.
Of course even with a fixed-rate agreement the storage facility can still raise your rates at the end of the agreement period. So it’s always a good idea to stay informed about the rates charged by storage facilities in your area so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.
Can a storage facility raise rates without notice?
No the storage facility cannot raise rates without notice.
They must provide the customer with at least 30 days notice prior to any rate increase.
What if the storage facility only gave me 2 weeks notice of a rate increase?
The storage facility would be in violation of their contract if they only gave you 2 weeks notice of a rate increase.
I was given a notice of a rate increase but it doesn’t say when the new rates go into effect.
Does that mean I can keep paying the old rate?
No the storage facility can start charging the new rates immediately after giving notice.
I was given a notice of a rate increase but I don’t want to pay the new rates.
Can I just move my stuff out?
Yes you can move your stuff out but you may be charged an early termination fee.
I was given a notice of a rate increase and I can’t afford to pay the new rates.
What can I do?
You can try to negotiate a lower rate with the storage facility but they are under no obligation to do so.
Can the storage facility raise my rent without giving me any notice?
No the storage facility cannot raise your rent without giving you at least 30 days notice.
The storage facility is going to raise rates in 2 weeks.
Do I have to move my stuff out?
No you don’t have to move your stuff out but you may want to considering finding a new storage facility.
I was given a notice of a rate increase for my storage unit.
Can I just stop paying rent?
No if you stop paying rent then you will be in violation of your contract and the storage facility can take legal action against you.
I was given a notice of a rate increase for my storage unit.
Can I just ignore it?
No if you ignore the notice then you will be in violation of your contract and the storage facility can take legal action against you.
What if I can’t afford the new rates?
You can try to negotiate a lower rate with the storage facility but they are under no obligation to do so.
I don’t want to pay the new rates.
Can I just move my stuff out?
Yes you can move your stuff out but you may be charged an early termination fee.
What if I move my stuff out and then the storage facility raises rates?
If you move your stuff out before the storage facility raises rates then you will not be affected by the rate increase.
What if I move my stuff out after the storage facility raises rates?
If you move your stuff out after the storage facility raises rates then you will be responsible for paying the new higher rates.
Can the storage facility raise rates without giving any notice?
No the storage facility cannot raise rates without giving the customer at least 30 days notice.
I was given a notice of a rate increase but it doesn’t say how much the new rates will be.
Does that mean I can keep paying the old rate?
No the storage facility can start charging the new higher rates immediately after giving notice.
