PREDATORY TRAP FOR EXISTING TENANTS -- AVOID THIS
FACILITY!If I could give DriveUp Storage in Norwalk zero stars, I would. This facility engages in textbook bait-and-switch pricing traps on existing customers and holds your personal property hostage the moment you question them.After quietly altering my lease status in their system without a single item of written notice, they hit me with an unconscionable 175% rate increase--attempting to charge me $253/month for a 10x10 unit. The manager, Melanie C., explicitly lied and claimed $253 was the "going local market rate."
As a licensed real estate professional, I did the math. Not only do local competitors average $75, but DriveUp Storage's own live website currently advertises this exact same 10x10 unit size at this exact 320 Wilson Ave location for $134.99/month! They are trying to price-gouge a loyal customer by charging an 87% premium over their own public pricing because they know moving heavy belongings is physically difficult.When I caught them red-handed with screenshots of their own website contradictions, they completely refused to adjust the rate.
Worse, less than 24 hours after the disputed invoice date, they executed a silent, retaliatory electronic lockout by deactivating my gate code under an administrative block ("Joy, contact management").To top it all off, they are actively refusing to provide me with a copy of my own signed rental agreement despite multiple direct requests, trying to hide the contract rules they are breaking. Holding a tenant's property hostage, lying about market rates, and suppressing legal contracts violates basic consumer protection.
A formal complaint has been filed with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Consumer Fraud Unit and the CT Attorney General's Office. Do not trust this business with your belongings!
AMENDMENT:
"Beyond the predatory pricing and illegal lockout tactics, the actual physical condition of this 320 Wilson Ave facility is a disgrace. The loading docks and community halls are overflowing with uncollected trash and abandoned items left behind by previous tenants. The indoor floors are completely filthy and layered in dust because management refuses to hire anyone to clean the facility. They are attempting to charge a premium $253 rate for a neglected, unsanitary property that poses an active pest and debris hazard to your personal belongings. Avoid at all costs!" read more