Public Storage Self-Storage Units at 1900 El Camino Real, South San Francisco, CA

It’s not a scam, because they provide a storage space as advertised. It is, however, an unethical company, because they abuse their power over customers. They use the oldest trick in the book; bait and switch. Lure you in with a low introductory rent, then jack it up every few months after the introductory period ends. In my case, what started as $110/months rose to $220/month within a year. They also lie about their “mandatory” lock. I was told that their insurance was invalid if I didn’t buy their lock ($20), but that I could return it when I vacated the space, and they would refund the $20. A lie. The woman in the office denied she ever told me that, but she did. All in all, it’s a sleazy company.

My review is to serve as a “buyer beware”. Store for only a short term because rent hikes are large and don’t come on an annual basis but come on a “supply and demand” timeline which can vary. Store knowing your items will smell like formaldehyde. Store knowing you may find a rodent(s) in your unit. Move out on the last day of the month to max time in the unit but to avoid paying for a full month following move out. Read the small print on the contract to confirm terms. Do not rely on the website for proper policy verbiage about your rental. More details in the following: Stats: I rented a 10x15 on the ground floor at a starting rate of $281 in June 2023. I stored my art supplies and art pieces in the unit. The unit was to be used temporarily until I got my art studio. I knew I’d be in the unit for between 12-18 months. Pros: * Set up of getting the unit was fast and easy. * The Public Storage rep at the site is polite. * The Public Storage app makes paying simple and has a gate remote feature which makes access convenient. Cons: * The building has a strong formaldehyde odor which is an indicator of a rodent problem. * The formaldehyde odor makes your unit along with the items in your unit smell. * Yes, I found a dead mouse in my unit. Yes, I found mouse poop. RIP little one. * Rent increase came in December 2023 at $357. * Rent ended in September 2024 at $448. * Rent rate hikes are astronomical. * I arranged for move out on September 1, 2024. Because of my oversight of the contract stating that the full month’s rent must be paid regardless of timing of ending the contract, I have to pay for a month at the facility for an empty unused unit. Public Storage offers no pro-rated rent and is not the least bit flexible on this policy. This caveat of a full month’s payment regardless of timing of contract termination, is ONLY in the contract. It is NOT in their move out process verbiage on their website/app in the FAQs or blog sections. Disclaimer: My colleague who came to my storage unit to pick up some items from me, works in pest control. They were the one to confirm my building odor concerns. This fact was revealed to me in early August of 2024.

Worst customer service ever I had very bad experience they need to step up there game the lady in the front both of them are lazy and bad customer service

Dominique was a wonderful person that helped us get our storage gave us plenty of information and made us feel comfortable.

Clean n well lit. Seems secure

Great location. Plenty of parking. Had my space for three years and never any problems. I just ended my rental unit to move to another city. The person who worked there, Victoria, was really nice and very helpful in the process.