Public Storage - Webster Texas Raised My Rates Above Fair Market! Webster Texas

Other people have made comments that have not been very kind, nor helpful and have nothing to do with the unfairness or how this facility in particular is ripping me off. PS in Texas raised their rates twice during the year, and charged me more than the fair market price. They did not wait a year to raise my rate, nor charge a fair market rate for me. I think most people would agree it's a rip-off to charge one person more than the fair market rate! I live in Maryland and cannot easily move my things to another facility, which another person pointed out so smartly. The market rate here in the Washington DC metro area is 3 times higher than the Texas market. When I chose to put my things in storage it was because of a sudden drastic set of circumstances that caused me to leave Texas. I did shop-around and I did look at the contract and knew about the potential price increase, but I was in a desperate situation. I did not have time to have a lawyer look at the contract! I live far from Texas and my things have sentimental value to me.

Obviously, I've written a certified letter to PS stating my rights as a consumer and have refused to pay more than the market rate, which is within my rights. Since I paid my rental on time and paid the going market price, I also stated that I owe no late fee. I've paid more than the things in storage are worth...and I will be taking them out soon and never giving them a penny of my money ever again - no matter what the circumstances in my life may bring.

I am a public storage employee. If you had an issue with your rent being raised then that issued would have been addressed the first time it happens. When someone hands you a contract you do not immediately sign it. You read it. You take it to your personal lawyer, well thats what I do. Public Storage rates increase each year based on the market. We do not rip customers off. There is a late fee when you do not pay your rent even if you do not agree with the new rate. You dont just not decide to pay your bill thats not how it works.

What does your contract state on rental increases. Does it state it is $129 forever or does it give them the right to raise the rates. The ONLY case it would be considered a RipOff is if they are doing something that the contract does not allow. However, if they have followed the procedure for increases then they are correct.

If you feel that it is a rip-off that they are charging "above market rate", then you have every right to go some place else. If they have been doing this for years why did you not leave before. I am sure there are no more than a half-dozen places to store your items in a reasonable distance.

Now some things to think about why you may be ripping yourself off. If you have been paying $129 a month for the last almost 5 years you have paid over $7500 in storage fees. The first question you need to ask yourself is the stuff you are storing worth that much? Storage places are good for "short term" storage, but unless the item is really valuable you are often just throwing money away.

Also, if they are within their rights to increase the rent and you don't pay it and don't go somewhere else. There is probably a line or two in the contract that says they can sieze the items in storage until paid. Then if you don't pay within a set amount of time they can auction it off. So before you start claiming a RipOff and don't pay the fees you better be sure you are in the right or this could happen to you.

I just went to Public Storage's website and got a quote on my size storage unit at the same place and it's a lower rate after the practically free first month!! Ggggrrrrr! This is ridiculous! Why should a long standing customer pay more than a brand new one? So, they can raise the rate a month later much higher than what was quoted or promised! These people are ripping consumer's off!