What Access and Monitoring Features Should You Look for in a Storage Facility?
Sep 2, 2026 / Public Storage
When comparing storage facilities, look at how customers enter the property, which areas have camera monitoring, how the property is illuminated, what lock types the units use and whether access hours fit your schedule. You should also confirm which features are available at the specific location rather than assuming every facility has the same setup.
Access and monitoring features can help a facility manage customer entry and property activity, but they do not guarantee a particular outcome. Consider them alongside location, unit type, insurance requirements and your own storage practices.
Storage Facility Features at a Glance
| Feature | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Controlled property entry | How customers enter and whether individual codes are used |
| Camera monitoring | Which areas have cameras and how footage is managed |
| Property lighting | Visibility along entrances, hallways and loading areas |
| Facility access hours | When customers can enter the property |
| Unit locks | Which lock type fits the unit |
| App-based access | Whether gates, doors or elevators can be opened through an app |
| Account access history | Whether customers can review activity through their account |
Features, access methods and hours vary by location.
How Do Storage Facility Access Codes Work?
Some storage facilities use individual gate codes to manage entry during designated access hours. Depending on the property’s system, the code may also work on building doors or elevators.
An access system may record when a customer’s code is used, but it does not guarantee that only renters or employees will enter the property.
When using a gate code:
- Keep the code private.
- Do not allow another vehicle to follow you through the gate.
- Enter the code each time the facility requires it.
- Confirm that the gate has completed its movement before proceeding.
- Contact the property team if the code is lost or shared.
- Check the facility’s access hours before visiting.
Public Storage customers can find their gate codes in the Public Storage App or online account. Gate codes do not work outside the property’s access hours and may be disabled on restricted accounts.
What Should You Know About Camera Monitoring?
Cameras may be used to observe selected entry points, driveways, loading areas, hallways or other parts of a storage property.
Camera placement, recording practices and the areas visible to cameras vary. Do not assume that every unit, hallway or part of the property is viewed or continuously observed.
When comparing facilities, consider asking:
- Which common areas have camera monitoring?
- Are cameras positioned near property entrances?
- Are indoor hallways included?
- Does the facility record footage?
- How should customers report an access or property concern?
Cameras are one part of a facility’s overall access and monitoring setup. They do not replace an appropriate unit lock or required insurance.
Why Does Property Lighting Matter?
Lighting can make entrances, driveways, loading areas and indoor hallways easier to see during available access hours.
When visiting a facility, look at the complete route between the entrance, parking area and unit. Indoor and outdoor lighting may vary throughout the property.
If you expect to visit early in the morning or later in the evening, confirm the facility’s access hours and inspect the route you would use.
Lighting may also affect how clearly cameras view certain areas, but camera performance depends on placement, equipment and property conditions.
Do Access Hours Fit Your Schedule?
Facility access hours indicate when customers can enter the property. They may differ from office hours, which indicate when property staff are available.
Think about when you are most likely to visit:
- Before or after work
- On weekends
- During a move
- Before a trip
- When rotating seasonal belongings
- When retrieving eligible business inventory or equipment
More than 2,400 Public Storage facilities offer 24-hour access. Availability, access methods and requirements vary by location.
If you need access at any hour, confirm the feature before renting. Learn more about 24-hour storage access.
What Type of Lock Does a Storage Unit Use?
Storage-unit doors and latches are designed for particular lock types. Depending on the unit, Public Storage uses disc locks, cylinder locks or electronic locks.
Disc Locks
A disc lock passes through the unit’s door latch. Follow the lock and door instructions to align the latch, insert the lock and confirm that it is closed.
Cylinder Locks
A cylinder lock fits into the unit door’s locking mechanism. The cylinder should match the door and be inserted according to the provided instructions.
Electronic Locks
Electronic locks, or eLocks, are available with some units. Customers use the Public Storage App and a compatible phone to operate the lock. Bluetooth and location permissions may be required.
Lock types and electronic-lock availability vary by unit and facility. Follow the instructions for the lock provided with your space.
Is a Lock Provided at Public Storage?
If you complete a Public Storage rental online or by phone, a compatible lock will be waiting inside the unit. A lock fee is charged as part of the rental.
If you rent in person, you can purchase the applicable lock at the property.
Customers may bring their own lock if it is the correct type for the unit. An unused Public Storage lock may be returned in its original condition within 30 days of move-in for a refund.
Review the complete Public Storage lock instructions before move-in.
How Does the Public Storage App Support Facility Access?
At participating locations, customers can use the Public Storage App to open gates, doors and elevators.
The app can also be used to:
- Find access information
- View storage-space details
- Review access history
- Make payments
- Set up AutoPay
- Update contact information
- Manage account details
Available app features depend on the facility, unit and phone settings. Customers may need to enable Bluetooth and location permissions for access features.
What Should You Check During a Facility Visit?
A facility visit gives you an opportunity to examine the features that matter to your routine.
Consider checking:
- How you enter and exit the property
- The route from the entrance to the unit
- Available access hours
- Lighting along your expected route
- Camera placement in common areas
- The unit door and required lock type
- Hallway, elevator or Drive-Up Access
- Loading and unloading areas
- Available app features
- Property contact information
Inspect the specific unit before renting when possible. Actual sizes, layouts and features may vary.
What Can Renters Do After Move-In?
Facility features work best when customers also follow good account and storage practices.
After moving in:
- Close the unit door completely.
- Align the latch and apply the lock correctly.
- Confirm that the lock is closed before leaving.
- Keep keys and access codes private.
- Do not allow others to use your account or code unless authorized.
- Maintain current contact information.
- Review applicable insurance requirements.
- Follow facility access hours and property rules.
- Contact the property team if you notice an access issue.
- Remove all belongings and your lock when moving out.
Do not store money, jewelry, cremains, irreplaceable belongings, sensitive documents or items that exceed the permitted stored-value limit. Hazardous, illegal, perishable, unsanitary and living items are also prohibited.
How Can You Compare Public Storage Locations?
Public Storage serves more than 2 million customers at more than 4,600 facilities across 42 states.
Available property features may include:
- Individual access codes
- Camera monitoring in designated areas
- Indoor and outdoor lighting
- App-based gate, door or elevator access
- Disc locks, cylinder locks or eLocks
- 24-hour access
- Drive-Up Access
- Climate-controlled storage
Not every feature is available at every facility or with every unit. Review the individual property page and unit details before renting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What access features should I look for at a storage facility?
Consider controlled property entry, individual access codes, suitable access hours and app-based entry. Confirm how each feature works at the specific facility.
Do storage-facility access codes record entry?
Some systems record when an individual access code is used. System capabilities vary, so ask the facility how its access system operates.
Are storage facilities monitored continuously?
Do not assume that every area is viewed or continuously monitored. Camera placement, recording and monitoring practices vary by facility.
Does every Public Storage facility offer 24-hour access?
No. More than 2,400 Public Storage facilities offer 24-hour access, but availability and requirements vary by location.
Does Public Storage provide a lock?
Customers who rent online or by phone receive a charged lock inside the unit. In-person renters can purchase the applicable lock at the property.
Can I bring my own storage-unit lock?
Yes, if the lock is the correct type for your unit. An unused Public Storage lock can be returned in its original condition within 30 days of move-in for a refund.
What types of locks does Public Storage use?
Depending on the unit, Public Storage uses disc locks, cylinder locks or electronic locks.
Can the Public Storage App open my unit?
At participating locations, the app can open property gates, building doors and elevators. It can also operate electronic unit locks where available.
Do facility features replace storage insurance?
No. Access and monitoring features do not replace applicable insurance requirements. Review your rental agreement and insurance terms before storing belongings.
When comparing storage facilities, focus on how access, visibility, monitoring and lock features work together at that specific location. Find Public Storage near you and review available property features before renting.
