Dear Help Desk: Can Unpaid Storage Fees Affect a Customer’s Credit Rating?

Let’s clear up a common misconception: if a customer skips out on their storage bill, it won’t show up on their credit report. Why? Because under the Privacy Act, self storage operators, and even the SSAA, aren’t considered credit providers. This means we can’t report a debtor to industry watchdogs, and their missed payments won’t affect their credit rating. So what can you do? A lot, actually.

The best way to reduce risk is to stick to a clear and consistent arrears management process. Document everything, follow the steps outlined in the SSAA’s Arrears Management Guide available in the Member Portal and don’t forget to list the storer in StorerCheck.

This structured approach helps contain debt and provides a solid framework if things escalate. Some facility operators do turn to debt collection agencies to recover what’s owed. While this can sometimes be effective, it doesn’t trigger a credit history entry either – and it comes at a cost – with Members telling us that fees for collection services often outweigh the debt itself. Administrative tribunals are another option for resolving disputes, but these too can chew up time and resources.

The takeaway? Your best protection is prevention. A well documented, proactive approach to arrears management is your strongest tool. Not just for recovering money, but for keeping your business running smoothly.

Visit our Member Portal for more information on the Australian and New Zealand SSAA Arrears Management Guide