Q: Can a storage facility suspend your gate code when you have two units where one is current and one is past due?
I have two separate units with Red Dot Storage. The units were rented several weeks apart. One unit is past due, but the other is current. I went to get some things out of the unit that is current but when I entered my gate code, it denied me access. The gate code was given to me by Red Dot when the first unit was rented. They did not give me another gate code when the second unit was rented. When I called their customer service about wanting access so that I could move out of the 2nd unit (current unit) so I would not continue incurring fees rent/fees or risk losing my things, they refused. Is that legal? Is there anything I can do?
A:
In Alabama, the specific terms of your storage facility contract with Red Dot Storage will dictate the rights and obligations of both parties. Generally, storage facilities have the right to impose certain access restrictions if there are outstanding payments or if the rent for any of the units is past due. However, whether they can suspend your access to a unit that is current when another unit is past due depends on the terms outlined in your rental agreement.
Review the terms and conditions of your contract with Red Dot Storage, paying attention to any clauses related to access, late payments, or default on payments. If the agreement allows the storage facility to restrict access to all units based on the delinquency of one, they may be within their rights. However, if the contract does not clearly specify this, it could potentially be an issue.
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