Let me tell you a quick story. Last year, my neighbor Sarah rented a storage unit for her antique furniture collection. One day, she got a call from the facility saying they needed to check her unit for “water damage.” When she arrived, she found three employees inside, casually looking through her things. Was this legal? Was this normal? It got me thinking – what exactly are the rules about who can access your storage unit?

Here’s the Reality About Storage Unit Access

When you rent a storage unit, you’re essentially leasing private space. But unlike your home or apartment, there are some key differences in privacy rights you should know about.

Who Has Keys to Your Unit?

• You (of course).
• Facility managers (but they shouldn’t use them without good reason).
• Emergency personnel (in specific situations).

At County Line Storage, we believe your unit should be your private space. That’s why we only access units when absolutely necessary, and always with proper notice when possible.

When Can a Storage Facility Legally Enter Your Unit?

1. Non-Payment Situations

• After 30+ days late (varies by state).
• Only after sending multiple warnings.
• They must follow strict auction procedures.

2. Real Emergencies

• Fire or flood situations.
• Suspected illegal activity.
• Strong odors or hazards coming from unit.

3. Maintenance Needs

• With prior notice (usually 24-48 hours).
• For legitimate repairs or pest control.

What They Absolutely CAN’T Do

• Random “inspections” without cause.
• Enter just because they’re curious.
• Go through your personal items without emergency reason.

How to Protect Your Privacy?

Choose Your Facility Wisely

Look for:

• Clear written access policies.
• Good online reviews about privacy.
• Individual unit alarms (like we have at County Line Storage)

Use the Right Lock

• Disc locks are hardest to cut.
• Avoid combination locks with exposed shackles.

Be Smart About What You Store

While most items are fine, think twice about:

• Irreplaceable family items.
• Sensitive documents.
• Extremely valuable collections.

What To Do If Your Privacy Is Violated?

1. Document everything (dates, times, who was present).
2. Request facility camera footage if available.
3. File a formal complaint with management.
4. Consider legal action for serious violations.

Why This Matters

Your storage unit should feel like an extension of your home – private and secure. At County Line Storage, we train all staff to respect that privacy. We don’t treat units like our property – they’re yours from the moment you sign the lease until you decide to leave.

Remember, a good storage facility will:

• Have clear access policies in writing.
• Give notice before non-emergency entry.
• Treat your belongings with respect.

If a facility makes you uncomfortable about privacy, trust your gut. There are plenty of professional operations (like ours) that understand how important your privacy really is.

Got more questions about storage unit privacy? Drop by one of our locations – we’re happy to explain our policies face to face. No fine print, no surprises. Just straightforward service you can trust.