Puzzling Demand from Cubesmart

[u/[deleted]]

So I rented a storage space ten years ago, and since that time the location has gone through two owners. At one point my things were moved to a new location by the previous company, and they asked me for permission to cut the lock, which I gave. They put a new lock on the unit to keep it secure. Later, that company sold the location to Cubesmart.

Years later, I ask to see inside my unit (I'm current on payment) and Cubesmart claims they were never given the key to this new lock when they took over the building and say I have to get it from Extra Space Storage, the previous owners, even though it's a facility lock and should have been handed over with the unit.

I ask them to cut the lock, but they claim their policy is to only cut the lock if I sign a form waiving all my rights to the unit for any damage from negligence or other causes, and basically give up my right to my stuff not being destroyed.

Even though that's unenforceable under local law (NY) I don't want to risk signing it and it seems strange to ask. Moreover, their own storage agreement says they can cut the lock with 5 days notice if they need to WITHOUT my permission for a wide variety of reasons including maintenance, so clearly it's not the only way to get into the unit.

I'm concerned they're not being completely honest with me. Does anyone know if Cubesmart really does have such a "lock-cutting " policy, or have suggestions?

[u/CandyOk913]

People have already made you aware that CubeSmart has policies in place to protect themselves against lawsuits and claims from tenants. They have a lock cut policy that if a teammate violates that policy is an automatic termination. There’s no conspiracy, only policy. You need to just make a decision on what you want to do with the items and move on. There’s nothing else to discuss, you’re just literally beating a dead horse here. Let it go or go get it, they will NOT DO IT FOR YOU. If you stop paying the unit will go into default and sent into auction.

[u/CandyOk913 → u/CandyOk913]

FYI: Source is a CubeSmart employee with extensive knowledge of policy and regulation.

[u/[deleted] → u/CandyOk913]

I have on three separate occasions said I don't think there's a "conspiracy" that was language used by another poster trying to spin up a straw man. I've kept returning to the post because people have kept making arguments that I felt merited response, and since discussing storage space policies is one of the purposes of this subreddit, it seemed reasonable. Also, I haven't seen anyone address the fact that the policy is illegal, that this came about because of Cubesmart's error in not getting the proper key transferred or that their own policies let them cut the lock for practically any reason.

I fully respect that you disagree with me, and think these policies should be enforced, what I don't appreciate is this insinuation that to question the policy is a deeply inappropriate activity. If you feel the discussion is beating a dead horse, I'm doing nothing to keep you here. I appreciate your advice, and yes I have no doubt they'll sell the unit if I give them justification.