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.
