Is it legal for Simply Self Storage to charge an additional $1.00 fee to make payments online? It is easier to make a payment online, but Simply Self Storage adds an extra $1.00 to use the online payment method.
Consumer Complaints & Reviews
In November of 2009, I was looking for a Self Storage facility to hold my personal belonging, due to I was moving into a smaller apartment. I came across Simply Self Storage located in Bloomfield, New Jersey which is near my apartment. Therefore, I started renting a 5x10 storage unit on a monthly basis (unit #103). In this 5x10 storage unit, I placed many of my personal items such as DJ Equipment, DJ Lights, Amps, Speakers, Subwoofer, Smoke Machine, Mixers, Power Tools, Power Outdoor Tools, and Air Conditioner Unit and among other personal items.
I moved into my new apartment in December of 2009. On February 27, 2010, I went to my storage unit to do two things (1) remove the air conditioner unit to bring back to my new apartment and (2) speak with one of the manager that was on duty to lower my insurance coverage. Everything in my storage unit was in place, there was no problems with my storage unit and my personal items were safely stored. On July 7, 2010, I purchased a new air conditioner from Home Depot. Therefore, the one I removed from my storage unit I was taken it back. The day of July 10, 2010, I went to my storage area to place the old air conditioner back in storage, when I opened the storage unit door I was surprise at what I saw.
Everything in my unit was stolen, the lock that holds the storage unit latch was in place and not damaged or broken, the problem was that the latch cover that holds the latch in place that keeps the door from opening is only held by two small screws and not by a more secured bolt, anyone with an screwdriver can just walk remove the screws and just take whatever they want. After noticing my personal items were missing, I went to the manager who was on duty and advise her of what happened. She didn't seem to helpful or concern, she asked me whether the lock was broken, I replied, "No, it was not." Her response was, "Well, if the lock wasn't not broken then how did your stuff get stolen, we don't have keys to your lock." Again, I explain to her, it looks like they removed the two screws from the other side of the door to get in.
She then advised me that I needed to call the cops to report it, again no assistance. She then gave me a copy of my insurance paper and advised me to contact the police and contact the insurance company to file a report. Within 45 minutes, a policemen came and took down my information. Now this concerns me, my question is are there any type of charges that can be filed against this storage facility for not providing a more secured area. I have pictures of some of the stuff that was stolen. Also, pictures of how the two screws are holding the latch cover. The two small screws they have in place is totally unacceptable, If I am paying a facility for properly securing my belongings they should have some type of accountability for providing a more secured place.
Two bolts should have been used instead of two small screws. Again anyone with a screwdriver can just walk in just take whatever they want. This facility has security cameras on the outside of their building, but there are none inside the building where the storage units are located. Also on July 12, 2010, I contacted their main office at ** spoke with Erica to file a formal complaint.
Recently, I received a denial of my claim from the insurance company stating that due to their investigation, there were no signs of force entry or based on their policies, they do not pay for items that mysteriously disappears.
My problem with this is I'm sure no one fully investigated this matter only took what's on the police report. If they would have went to the storage location and seen how easy someone can break in then the results would have been different. I do have pictures of mostly all items taken and how the storage unit I was renting looks like. Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
After a year of my items being stored in Simply Storage in Bloomfield, this weekend I was there to remove all my belongings. There was water damage and mold to many of my items. This was a concern of mine when I went to the unit about 1 1/2 month ago back. I had noticed water stains on the floor of the unit but did not know the extent of the water leak or damage.
I contacted the lady at the front desk and she suggested I move my items to another unit. At first it was right in the same corrider, but then I was told there were not any units in that area but on the other side of storage. It would have been a huge inconvenience to transfer my items (not at my cause) to another unit not in close vicinity when I planned to move my items out within the next month or two. No other suggestions or assistance was offered. They did not offer to take a look at the unit. I asked for 1 month free rent for the inconvenience and it was declined.
I picked Simply Storage in Bloomfied because it is very close to my house on Ampere Pkwy. When I first called to inquired about the price and units, I was assured by a man, there was never a "water" issue. I am very disappointed in the way my situation was handled when I initially displayed concern. I rented from they because of the convenient location and promise. I have paid over $200.00 per month for a year and many of my items had to be disposed. I had to run out this weekend and purchase a new set of mattresses that cost me $450.00. I am currently unemployed, I don't have this kind of money to spend after I paid them over $2,000.00 for storage.
I am very upset. I have reached out to them in good faith and basically they said the storage facility did not provide insurance at the time and that is too bad. They . I expect that water and mold damage are vital elements to avoid need to prevent to avoid this problem. I Ive taken pictures and have some damaged furniture in the unit for them to see. They emailed me to inform me that I have to remove it or I will be charged $150.00.
Another concern is health issues due to mold. I was very skeptical of taking my other furnishings that appeared undamaged home due to allergies and mold concerns. But right now, I can't afford to buy my life's furnishings all at once.
I have itemized all of the items that have been damaged. Queen size mattress 1,500,00 (I removed the mattress and tried to remove mold by bleaching it but reconsidered due to health issues) I have the mattress here at home. Dining room table and hutch and 4 chairs approx $1,400.00. Green Couch $300.00. White Dresser $500.00 (didnt see damaged inside the drawer until I got it home). box of family pictures, priceless decorative frames, wall frames approx $500.00. total $3,700.00. There is also chipped paint and roof damage above my unit. I have taken pictures of the ceiling and the water stained floor f.
In addition, I am missing a new bed comforter set that cost me $220.00 and my fur coat worth $1,100. I can't prove that it was taken at the storage, but there is a door above my unit with direct access . I have taken pictures of that as well. There is also clause that states they are not responsible for stolen items. I don't get it. I know I signed the contract, but never did I guess I would be in this situation. How many times has this happened? I don't want this to happen again. How can they claim to be not responsible for their gross negligence and careless attitude?
