This owner runs Horizon Self Storage on fear. Today (Thursday at 3:07PM) I contacted Carolyn Dismuke via phone call in hopes of securing a 9x14 storage unit in Panama City Beach, FL. In our initial conversation about the process of renting, Carolyn spoke with a pretentious tone as if she was doing me a favor by allowing me to rent from her. She often referred to the numerous customers she had to put on waiting lists/turn away and the great speed at which her units would become occupied. Although her attitude seemed a little off-putting, I still decided to proceed with securing a deposit of $20. At this point I have not seen any documentation of lease or terms of service. I asked, "How long does the deposit stand until I need to start making payments on rent?" Her response, "A couple of days." I clarify, "What does a couple of days mean? Monday? Tuesday?" She says, "[paraphrasing] Well seeming that today is Wednesday, a couple of days would mean two days - so Friday. I can either have you pay the deposit and first month's rent right now or you can pay the deposit now and pay rent on Friday morning. I can send you the lease after to have the paperwork sorted out." Flustered, I gave her my card information to pay only the deposit up front, not fully aware what I had just agreed to. I text her my e-mail so that she can forward the paperwork. About an hour later, Carolyn responds to my text message, "If you like I can go ahead and charge the rent and dep today. The lease will not start till Fri. That way I can go ahead today and send the lease to you today. Rent will start Fri. Is that ok?" At this point I realized it was actually Thursday. I immediately reply, "I would like to pay and start the lease on Monday so that I can have enough time to read the lease this weekend and send back the paperwork. On the phone I believe we had a miscommunication in that today was Wednesday." Five minutes pass before she calls me back on the phone. She completely ignored my text message and once again pressured me to make both payments BEFORE even laying eyes on the lease. To make her plea more convincing, she says it would be easier to handle everything right now as she is already in the office. I kindly repeat my concern over the confusion of days and how I felt uncomfortable making payments within less than 24 hours without a lease. I try to compromise with asking for payments to begin on the following Monday as that would suffice for two business days (the original agreement). She acknowledged that I was right about the day of the week but then insisted that we handle the transaction on Saturday and to still send me the lease after payment. Surprised, I said that I did not understand the significance of payment needing to be done prior to Monday if I have not yet received or signed the lease. She fails to give me a reasonable answer and defaults to, "This is how I run my business. Do you want to rent the unit or not?" Having experienced this type of treatment prior to my first month's rent, I politely told Carolyn, "If I am unable to start making payments on Monday after reviewing and signing the necessary paperwork, I wish to cancel my reservation of the storage unit. I ask that you please cancel the transaction, otherwise I can contact my bank." After flaunting that she already has my card information for the deposit, she abruptly ended the call. Never have I felt so disrespected by a storage rental company. I initially decided to rent from Horizon Self Storage due to their 5 star rating on Google. I write this review as a testimony to show that not every 5-star company has a 5-star owner. Be careful in making any transactions before signing a contract. read more

Never use Horizon Storage Units. The owner had only given us 1 of the 2 keys. She, or someone she gave the key to, stole 3 TVs and numerous other items from our unit! We texted and tried to call, but she repeatedly ignored us and didn't care about our property. There is a posted sign stating there are surveillance cameras, but it's a lie. There are no cameras. Terribly unprofessional! read more