Public Storage charges a monthly rental fee, and you can pay by phone, online, or in person at your facility
Public Storage is a self-storage company with locations across the United States. When you rent a unit, you owe a monthly fee for the space. The company offers three main ways to pay: calling their customer service line at 1-800-448-8779, paying through their website at publicstorage.com, or going to your local facility in person. Most people set up automatic monthly payments so the charge hits their bank account or credit card on the same day each month.
The amount you pay depends on the unit size you rented, your location, and any promotional rates you negotiated when you signed the lease. Public Storage also charges additional fees for things like late payments, administrative holds, or optional services like climate control. Your lease agreement lists all these charges, and you should receive a monthly statement showing what you owe.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay Public Storage online, by phone, or in person, and most customers set up automatic monthly payments to avoid late fees.
- Late payments trigger additional charges and can result in your unit being locked or your belongings being sold at auction after a set period.
- If you fall behind, contact Public Storage when ready to discuss a payment plan or temporary hardship options before your account reaches 45 days past due.
- Your lease agreement specifies the exact monthly amount, due date, and all additional fees, so review it before your first payment is due.
Setting up automatic payments online or by phone
The easiest way to avoid missing a payment is to set up automatic billing. On the Public Storage website, log into your account, go to the billing section, and enter your bank account or credit card information. The system will charge you on the same date each month. If you prefer to set it up by phone, call 1-800-448-8779 and a representative can add your payment method to your account in a few minutes.
Automatic payments come out of your account whether you use the unit or not, so make sure you have enough funds available on your due date. If a payment fails because of insufficient funds or an expired card, Public Storage will typically attempt to charge you again a few days later. After multiple failed attempts, your account will be flagged as delinquent and late fees will begin to accrue.
What happens if you miss a payment
Public Storage charges a late fee if your payment is not received by the due date shown on your lease. The amount of this fee varies by location but typically ranges from $5 to $15 per day. After your account is 10 days late, the company may lock your unit, preventing you from accessing your belongings until you pay the full amount owed plus the late fees.
If you remain delinquent for 45 days or longer, Public Storage can begin the process of selling your unit's contents at a public auction to recover the unpaid rent and fees. State law governs how much notice the company must give you before this happens, and the notice period varies. Once an auction is scheduled, you have a limited window to pay everything owed and reclaim your items. After the auction, you lose all rights to the contents.
Paying a past-due balance or negotiating a payment plan
If you have fallen behind, contact Public Storage as soon as possible. Call the facility directly or the main customer service number and explain your situation. The company sometimes works with tenants who are experiencing temporary financial hardship by allowing a one-time late payment without the full late fee, or by setting up a payment plan to spread the debt over several months.
These arrangements are not may provide and depend on how far behind you are and your payment history with the company. The sooner you reach out, the more options you may have. If you wait until your account is 30 or 40 days past due, the company is less likely to negotiate. Bring documentation of your hardship if you have it — a job loss letter, medical bill, or other proof that the situation is temporary — because it strengthens your case.
Paying in person at your storage facility
You can walk into your local Public Storage location during business hours and pay your bill in cash, check, or debit card. The office staff will process the payment when ready and give you a receipt. This method works well if you prefer not to use online banking or if you want to make a payment right away without waiting for an automatic charge to process.
In-person payments are recorded in the system the same day, so if you are behind and want to avoid a lock-out, paying at the facility is one of the fastest ways to get current. Keep your receipt as proof of payment in case there is a delay in the system updating your account.
Understanding your lease and additional charges
Your lease agreement is a contract that lists your monthly rent, the due date, and every fee Public Storage can charge you. Common additional charges include late fees, lock-out fees if you try to access a locked unit, administrative fees for returned checks, and fees for optional services like climate control or insurance. Some facilities charge a deposit or an administrative fee upfront when you sign the lease.
Read your lease carefully before you sign, and ask the facility manager to explain any charges you do not understand. If you lose your lease, you can request a copy from your facility or view it through your online account. Knowing exactly what you owe each month helps you budget and avoid surprise charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay Public Storage with a credit card online?
Yes, Public Storage accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers through their website and by phone. Some facilities may also accept credit cards in person, but policies vary by location. Call your facility to confirm what payment methods they accept at the office.
What should I do if my automatic payment failed?
Log into your account online or call 1-800-448-8779 to check your account status. If the payment failed due to an expired card or insufficient funds, update your payment method when ready. Public Storage will usually retry the charge within a few days, but do not wait — contact them to make sure the payment goes through before late fees start.
Can Public Storage sell my belongings if I owe back rent?
Yes, if your account is 45 days or more past due, Public Storage can hold a public auction to sell the contents of your unit to recover unpaid rent and fees. Your state's lien laws govern the exact timeline and notice requirements. Once an auction is scheduled, you have a limited time to pay everything owed and stop the sale.
Is there a grace period for late payments?
Public Storage does not offer a standard grace period. Late fees begin accruing on the day after your due date. However, if you contact the company before or shortly after your payment is late, they may waive or reduce the late fee as a one-time courtesy, especially if you have a good payment history.
How do I change my payment method or due date?
Log into your account on the Public Storage website and update your billing information, or call 1-800-448-8779 to make changes by phone. Changing your due date may require a lease modification, so ask the representative whether your facility allows it and whether there are any fees involved.