50% Yearly Storage Space Rent Increase In Gowanus? Yup, That Sounds Reasonable

The alarming rise in rents here in Brooklyn over the last few years has been a topic of conversation all over the borough. A simple one bedroom apartment has become unaffordable in many of our neighborhoods.  But the rental of a different kind of real estate seems to increase in even larger increments, percentage wise.  Many New Yorkers who rent storage units to house the belongings that don't fit into their tiny apartments get burned by huge increases after a relatively short period. Obviously, the owners of storage facilities know that they are gouging a captive audience.  Who has the time and energy to move their belongings from one facility to another simply to keep cost down?

The reason I mention this is because my son Max was recently informed by Extra Space Storage at 312 Third Avenue in Gowanus that the fee for his unit was going up for the second time in just one year.  In all, the rental has gone up just short of 50% since last March.

He posted the following Yelp review to warn others away from the place.  (His is not the only negative posting.)
"This storage facility PRICE GOUGES!
After being an Extra Space customer for a year without complaints, I'm very disappointed to have to be giving them a negative review.

Upon signing up for the unit, I was told to expect modest rate increases of five to ten dollars every 6 months.  Sure enough, 6 months later my rate increased by ten dollars a month from $128 to $138. I wasn't thrilled - but I was expecting it and it seemed par for the course.

However, now at the 12 month mark I received notice of a nearly SEVENTY DOLLAR PRICE INCREASE, bringing the monthly total to $206, eighty dollars more than when I had signed up a year earlier.
I called Extra Space customer service to dispute the increase and was told that regional offices sometimes increase prices dramatically when they need empty units to sell to new customers. Large price hikes when demand is higher than supply? Sounds like price gouging to me.

Further, a representative at the local office refused to transfer me to someone from upper management that might be able to help with my problem. Apparently it's their policy that customers cannot speak to anyone capable of making a decision.

Shame on Extra Space for trying to maximize profit by screwing their customers. I paid every bill on time and would not have balked at another modest ten dollar rent increase - but a 50% hike is a different story.
As far as the storage space and the facilities, I have no complaints. The hallways were always clean, it seemed secure and the employees were helpful as long as they don't have their hand in your pocket.

However, none of this excuses such poor business practices. I believe they're banking on the fact that their customers don't have the time or energy to move their belongings to avoid steep rate increase. I know I'd certainly prefer not to, but I also won't stand by and be taken advantage of.

If someone from the Extra Space management wants to make this right, I'd love to hear from you."

So, pardon me for asking, but is a 50% yearly increase for storage units a common thing here in Brooklyn, or is Extra Space Storage exceptionally brazen?  Can anyone recommend a better, more reasonable option in and around Gowanus/ Brooklyn?

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