Self-Storage Lock & Automation Options

Research guide for a first-time storage facility purchase with full automation: online registration, PIN/app access, payments, automatic late fees, and lockout when delinquent.

How the Pieces Fit Together

Full automation is not one product — it is a stack:

Key insight: Late fees and lockouts are primarily PMS rules. The lock system enforces access based on payment status via integration.

Important nuance: For full automation, “locked out until caught up” means the tenant cannot get into the gate or the unit until the balance is paid. The PMS disables gate access and triggers unit overlock together.

To block unit entry (not just gate entry), you need either a smart latch (ProEdge, SmartLock S, ONELock latch) or a DaVinci overlock placed when delinquent. A tenant's own padlock on a standard hasp will not auto-disable — gate lockout alone is not enough.

Property Management Software (PMS) Options

The automation backbone — where late fees, autopay, and lockout rules live.

Estimates are software subscription only (September 2026). Est. @ 57u assumes 1 location, 2 buildings, 57 units — PMS billing is per location, not per building. Billing: per facility = charged per location/site; per unit = scales with unit count; per facility + modules = base per site plus add-on features. Payment processing, gate/access, insurance revenue share, and onboarding are extra — get a written quote before budgeting.

Critical rule: Pick PMS and locks together. Confirm the exact integration before buying either — see PMS ↔ Lock Compatibility below.

Links:

• Storable Easy
• Cubby
• storEDGE
• SiteLink
• Tenant Inc (Hummingbird)
• Self Storage Manager
• 6Storage
• Monument
• Storeganise
• Stora

PMS ↔ Lock Compatibility

Before you buy either side, confirm three things: Is your PMS on the lock vendor’s supported list? Is sync native or manual/delayed? Are gate and tenant app tied to the same vendor?

Not PMS-exclusive, but stack-bundled: few locks are locked to one PMS, but many pair best with their own gate and tenant app.

Watch for “integration tax”

• ONELock charges extra for PMS integration (~$149/mo on top of platform fees)
• DaVinci Overlock + Cubby works, but Cubby’s terms require a separate DaVinci agreement and fees on top of Cubby — not a lock-in, but extra cost/complexity

Gate Access

Handles property entry, not individual unit doors — but part of a full automation stack.

SpiderDoor

• Cellular or internet-connected keypads; no on-site network required.
• Custom-branded tenant app (rent, pay, open gate).
• Month-to-month contracts; 1-year warranty.
• Integrates with leading PMS platforms.

Links: SpiderDoor

Stor-Guard

• Modular controller (SG-EVO2) + keypads + AccessPlus software.
• Up to 20,000 users per controller; stores access data offline if comms lost.

Links: Stor-Guard SG-EVO2

Unit Locks

Self-Install: Buy & Install Yourself

If self-purchase + self-install is a requirement, focus on the green rows — ONELock, DaVinci Overlock, Lockfinity, or KENRONE. Red rows are not self-install.

Category A: Full Smart Unit Locks (Daily Access + Auto Overlock)

Noke ONE / Noke Infinité (Janus International)

Lockfinity

Onity Passport (Honeywell/Carrier)

PTI DoorBoss

Category B: Battery-Free NFC Locks (Phone Tap to Open)

Same concept as ONELock — no batteries in the lock; phone powers the NFC tap.

KENRONE

DaVinci Overlock

Vendor product name: DaVinci Lock. Does not replace a tenant's padlock for daily use — placed on delinquent or vacant units.

DaVinci Overlock

Category E: Access Platforms (Software Layer, Multiple Lock Brands)

Not locks themselves — cloud platforms that connect locks to your PMS.

Links: Tapkey Self-Storage | Entryfy + Storeganise

Master Comparison Table

Tenant App

Unlock units, pay bills, and manage accounts from a phone. Usually bundled with your lock or gate vendor — not always a separate purchase.

Kiosk (optional)

Walk-up rentals and payments without a manager on site.

Budget Tiers — Realistic Stacks

Tier 1: Lowest Cost (~$150–400/mo software + gate hardware)

• PMS: Storable Easy
• Gate: Basic keypad (PTI, DoorKing, SpiderDoor, Stor-Guard) — codes auto-disable when delinquent
• Unit locks: Standard tenant padlocks; DaVinci Overlock (~$9/lock) for overlocking delinquent/vacant units
• Tenant experience: Website for rent/pay; gate code for entry; DaVinci sends unlock code via text when paid

Pros: Cheapest, proven, very reliable (mechanical locks).
Cons: Not fully keyless; staff may still place DaVinci overlocks physically.

Tier 2: Mid-Range Smart (~$400–800/mo + lock hardware)

• PMS: Cubby or Storable Easy
• Locks: ONELock ($65–150/unit one-time + $349/mo + $149/mo PMS integration)
• Gate: ONELock Entry ($499 device + $99/mo) or existing keypad
• Tenant app: ONELock Access App

Pros: Transparent pricing, no lock batteries, true automated overlock, self-install possible.
Cons: Phone required; newer ecosystem.

Tier 3: Full Premium Automation (~$800–1,500+/mo)

Recommended Short List (First Facility)

If you want to buy & install yourself (DIY)

If you are OK with dealer install (not DIY)

Gate access (regardless of unit lock choice): SpiderDoor or Stor-Guard.

Questions to Ask Every Vendor

1. Total cost for X units — hardware, install, monthly fees, mesh/gateway hardware.
2. Which PMS integrations are native vs. custom/API.
3. Overlock workflow — fully automatic, or does staff place a physical overlock?
4. Move-in flow — can a tenant rent, sign, pay, and access the unit at 2 AM with zero staff?
5. Delinquency rules — grace period, late fee schedule, auto-lock timing.
6. Non-smartphone tenants — keypad fallback?
7. Battery/maintenance — who replaces batteries, how often, cost?
8. Power outage behavior — gate down but units accessible?
9. Contract terms — annual commitments, early termination, buyback guarantees.
10. Can I buy direct and self-install? — or is a dealer/certified installer required?

Vendor Contact Paths

Quote Request Template

Use this when contacting vendors:

Facility details:
- Location: [city, state]
- Unit count: [X]
- New build or retrofit: [ ]
- Indoor / outdoor / mix: [ ]
- Current gate system: [none / brand]
- Target go-live date: [ ]

We need:
- Online tenant registration and e-sign lease
- Tenant app for unit access and payments
- Automatic late fees and delinquency lockout
- Gate access integration
- PMS integration (specify: Storable Easy / Cubby / storEDGE / other)

Please quote:
1. Hardware cost per unit (all lock types available)
2. Installation cost (or confirm self-install)
3. Monthly software/platform fees
4. Gateway/mesh/network hardware costs
5. PMS integration fees
6. Contract term and cancellation policy
7. Warranty and support details
8. References from similar-sized facilities

Additional Resources

• Trachte Smart Lock Comparison (ProEdge vs INSOMNIAC vs ONELock)
• Janus Smart Entry Feature Review
• OpenTech PMS Integration List

Last updated: September 2026. Pricing and product details should be verified directly with vendors before purchase decisions.