Extra Space Storage — Local services in Bayonne

I want to expand on my experience and initial one star review to help others avoid the costly mistake I made when renting from Extra Space Storage. The rental agreement includes a clause allowing the company to raise rent at any time, for any reason, with just 30 days’ notice sent by mail. While this might sound standard, the reality is far from reasonable. Within four months of signing my lease, my rent doubled—a 100% increase that no “market condition” could justify. This feels like a classic bait-and-switch tactic, where low initial rates lure customers in, only to be hit with steep hikes shortly after. Be cautious about the company’s review practices as well. At the initial signing, employees are often friendly and accommodating, which can make the experience seem great. Additionally, Extra Space offers a $100 gift card incentive for leaving a review, which may encourage some customers to leave glowing 5-star ratings without yet experiencing the full reality of their rental terms. Don’t let these early impressions or incentives cloud your judgment—many issues, like rate hikes, only surface months later. What’s worse, Extra Space Storage has faced a class action lawsuit over the pricing practices in the past. However, as I learned too late, the fine print in the lease includes an arbitration clause. By signing, you waive your right to sue the company in court, even if you believe they’re engaging in unfair practices. Instead, disputes must go through private arbitration, which often favors corporations and makes it harder for customers to seek justice. Before renting, carefully review the agreement, especially the terms about rent increases and arbitration. Ask about their history of rate hikes and be wary of incentives that might skew online reviews. I wish I had known these details upfront, and I hope this review helps you make an informed decision.

Original review. Beware of misleading initial rates and questionable business practices. This company lures customers with competitive pricing, such as $89 (including tax) for a 5x10 storage unit, only to double the cost to $179 after a few months. Such a drastic 100% rate hike is unreasonable and not something any reputable business would consider standard practice. No customer should have to accept these unfair terms. Do your research and avoid being caught off guard by their...

UPDATE 08/23/25 Another 12% rent hike, zero capital improvements, maintenance is non existent, climate control is no longer a thing, and we now have roaches running rampant. Yay? No! Investors showing once again why no one likes them and how their greed ruins everything. Thankfully there are a few new storage places that recently opened in the area and I will be looking in to them.

UPDATE 05/29/24 Two more rate increases since my last post. 34% in February 2024 and now another 66% increase due July 2024. They call it market rate adjustment. I call it greed. Nothing has gone up 34% this year. Nor an additional 66% 4 months later. Run away if you can. But this is what our useless city council brings to our city, greedy developers and investors. Costs only go up for the residents. Developers/Investors get PILOTS and kickbacks. We the residents just keep paying more and more for less and less. I for one will remember this during our next election. Let's hope you do too. And if you can, find a storage place that caters to it's customers, not it's greedy investors like Extra Space Storage does.

UPDATE 09/03/23 LifeStorage was recently aquired by ExtraSpace Storage and as is customary of greedy investors we received a notice of a 31.4% rent increase with a meritless claim referencing rising "market rates" which basically translates to greedy money hungry investors. Rates go into effect in October 2023 so beware renting before you know the real costs.

ORIGINAL REVIEW The storage spaces are cheaply constructed compared to other Lifestorage locations I've used. Very thin galvanized walls with thin multi seamed chicken wire across the top, each secured to the next with thin twisted wire. Security wise this is almost useless. And the interior dimensions of the spaces are not accurate and most if not all are hindered with support beams running in to the interiors. To top it off the cost of the units is 2 + times the costs at other life storage locations in the area plus they make you pay for a lock, no option to opt out and secure the unit yourself. The 1 star is for it being climate controlled but most locations also offer this. Time will tell if this building will be actively maintained as other locations suffer from a lack of maintenance especially past control and...

I hadn't been to my unit in over a month but when I did, I noticed there was a red lock and red metal cover that way I can't get in. I also noticed it looked like my unit was broken into. When the manager finally showed up to take the red lock off (I had paid my bill late, on a wednesday.. so they had 3 days to unlock it before that Sunday when they're closed). I was sitting in the car because it was freezing and that storage facility is not climate Controlled. Infact, just the opposite. Theres a fan you can hear smashing open and closed. Water in the rear of the unit seeping in the bottom of the sheet metal. Anyways, he came out telling me he took off the lock when I told him it looks like someone broke in because the door is bent and so was the thin piece of metal that's suppose to secure the locking mechanism (i can't post pictures because this is connected to their site). He asked me if anything is missing (before I even had a chance to open the dang lock). When I got it open , sure enough, my unit was missing items. You can tell there are specific spots that once had my belongings there and the now is just empty. I asked of there are any cameras in the facility. He told me no. None at all. So, even though it was freezing cold and just me. I took the rest of my stuff and booked it. I'm not trusting a storage unit who can't even keep up on the only thing they have to do. Put on and take off the dang red locks if someone doesn't pay their bill. Never ever storing my stuff at an extra space unit again. NO CAMERAS! Are you kidding me?? Now I have to deal with the Insurance and inventory...