What should I look for in a self-storage facility’s gate and security systems?

Start at the gate. Try it at different times of day and watch what happens if power fails. Ask whether the gate defaults to open or locked, and who gets the alert. Check fencing, lighting and blind spots in the camera view, since a camera that does not cover the doors does little.

Next, look at the software side. Access codes, tenant records and payment details usually sit in a management system. Ask who has admin access, how former staff are removed and whether the seller has had any incidents or break-ins. Request any incident reports, and ask how they were handled.

Because tenant information is personal, ask about privacy practices. How long is footage kept, who can view it, and what would the seller do if tenant data were exposed? Your lawyer can advise on your responsibilities, and general cyber security guidance for small businesses can help you set a sensible baseline. Finally, check age and cost. Ask for the maintenance contract, the age of the cameras and gate operator, and a quote for replacing anything near the end of its life. Walk the perimeter at dusk, when lighting gaps are easiest to see.

Key takeaways

• Test the gate and doors yourself, including how they behave in a power outage.
• Ask who holds admin access and how former staff are removed.
• Request incident reports and the maintenance contract for the system.