Paul
Anaheim,#2Consumer Suggestion
Sat, February 26, 2005
You're 100% right. It was their responsibility to inform all tenants about the change of ownership. Then, to explain any new policies or billing systems that were to be put into effect. Public Storage did neither. In addition, no company should simple take it upon themselves to remove money from tenant's accounts like that. People run their accounts expecting monthly bills to remain the same. When one company suddenly takes out more, it can cause the account to run out of money, and cause fees to be charged. That's why you don't do anything like this. It's just wrong. You were also 100% right to vacate. The company acted badly. In addition, the onsite manager acted even worse. You had a valid reason for being there, and for complaining about the takeover. Bad manager. Simple as that. Put these people in their place. Show them they need to be accountable for their actions. You gave them the opportunity to contact you and resolve this amicably. They failed at that too. Lawsuit. File now. Small claims. Watch as they call you repeatedly then. Give them the opportunity, if the regional manager acts reasonable. My storage money, plus my lawsuit money back. Or else, I'll see you in court. Copy/fax this page as well. To corporate headquarters. That makes the most of this site. Good luck!
Larry
Tucson,#3Consumer Comment
Fri, February 25, 2005
I once rented space from Public Storage in Phoenix. The contract that they themselves wrote said payment was due on the first of the month and was not delinquent until the 11th. One month the 10th fell on a Sunday. Their office was closed that day so I put my check through the mail slot where it joined several others. A few days later I receive a late notice because they did not process the check until they opened on the 11th and therefore it was late even though payment had been in their possession on the 10th. It was their decision, not mine, to close on the 10th. Their contract said nothing about Sunday payments. I complained to their district office and got nowhere so I let the matter drop and moved out. In your case, Public Storage was bound by the terms of the lease you signed with the previous managers. If they wanted to alter the contract they could have asked you to sign a new lease. If you refused to agree to new terms then they could have given you notice and evicted you, but that's a different matter. Public Storage unilaterally changed material provisions of your contract without notice or consent. Don't expect to get any satisfaction from their management. If you want satisfaction hire a lawyer and take them to court. They will not only have to refund your money but pay for all your court and attorney fees. BTW, in Arizona there is a provision in the self storage laws that allows the judge to impose up to $500 in additional punitive damages against the storage company. You might want to see if California has a similar statute.