You can’t live in a storage unit, even in times of housing insecurity when unconventional solutions might seem appealing. With their low cost and secure design, those struggling might see storage units as a practical answer for affordable housing. However, legal, safety, and health considerations prevent this from becoming a reality.
Self-storage units cannot serve as viable living spaces due to legal limitations, safety hazards, and serious health risks. Instead, our community must find safer alternative housing options tailored to meet the needs of individuals facing housing challenges.
Legal Limitations
For those dealing with housing insecurity, the idea of living in a storage unit might appear to be a practical and cost-effective solution. However, significant legal obstacles make this option unfeasible. The city establishes zoning laws to ensure the community uses different areas appropriately and safely. Residential zoning comes with stringent requirements that storage units do not meet. Therefore, you can’t live in a storage unit legally.
Zoning Laws
Local law categorizes storage facilities under commercial or industrial use which strictly prohibits residential activities. Living in a storage unit, therefore, violates zoning laws. Storage companies must enforce these regulations to avoid substantial fines and other legal repercussions.
Rental Agreements and Insurance Policies
In addition to zoning restrictions, the leases or rental agreements for storage units explicitly state that the units must be used for storage purposes only. Violating the terms of these agreements by attempting to live in the units can result in immediate eviction and potential legal action. Storage companies must also maintain the intended use of their facilities to comply with insurance policies to prevent them from becoming void should an incident occur.
Building Codes
Local law categorizes storage facilities under commercial or industrial use which strictly prohibits residential activities. Living in a storage unit, therefore, violates zoning laws. Storage companies must enforce these regulations to avoid substantial fines and other legal repercussions.
Attempting to bypass these legal constraints can also lead to a domino effect of complications. Unauthorized habitation can:
- void insurance policies
- expose the occupants to legal prosecution
- result in financial penalties for the storage facility.
Safety Hazards
You can’t live in a storage unit because it exposes you to numerous safety hazards.
Fire Safety
For starters, storage facilities may lack essential safety features such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency exits. If a fire were to break out, the chances of being trapped increase due to the compact and secure design of the units. This limits accessibility for emergency responders.
Multi-residential buildings use specific precautions such as resident lists in a safety box Without this type of information, firefighters have no way of knowing where human life may need to be rescued. The lack of safety features can make a bad situation even worse, putting lives at serious risk.
Furthermore, the use of portable heaters, stoves, or other appliances can lead to dangerous situations, including fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Risk to Personal Safety
The risk of personal harm can be significant. Unlike residential buildings, storage facilities may be isolated. This lack of continuous human activity makes you vulnerable. The confined nature of storage units can make it difficult for you to call for help or be noticed if you’re in trouble.
Health Concerns
You can’t live in a storage unit because it affects your health negatively for a variety of reasons:
Air Quality
One of the primary health issues when attempting to live in a storage unit includes poor air quality. These units generally lack windows or any form of ventilation, resulting in stagnant air. This can quickly lead to the accumulation of dust, allergens, and other pollutants, which can cause respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis. Over time, poor air quality can severely impact your lung function and overall health.
Lack of Natural Light
The lack of natural light and the feeling of isolation in many storage units can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Without the opportunity to experience a regular day-night cycle or engage in social interactions, your mental well-being can deteriorate rapidly and disrupt your natural sleep cycles. The lack of proper lighting also makes it challenging to perform daily tasks safely.
Mould and Mildew
The lack of ventilation and natural light creates an environment conducive to mould growth. Mould spores can lead to various health problems, including allergic reactions, skin irritation, and severe respiratory issues. Prolonged exposure to mould can even result in chronic conditions that require long-term medical care.
Sanitation Issues
The lack of running water or plumbing facilities makes it impossible to maintain proper hygiene. Without access to clean water, basic activities like handwashing, showering, and cooking become challenging. Poor hygiene can lead to a host of health problems, including gastrointestinal infections and skin conditions. The absence of sanitation facilities also raises the risk of vermin and pests, which can carry diseases and create additional health hazards.
Temperature Fluctuations
Without proper ventilation, these spaces can become unbearably hot or cold, depending on the season. Extreme temperatures not only make living uncomfortable but can also pose serious health risks, such as heatstroke in the summer or hypothermia in the winter. Even climate controlled units lack individual temperature control and may hinder existing health problems, such as cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
In Summary, You Can’t Live In A Storage Unit
While living in a storage unit might seem like a quick fix, the associated health and safety risks and legal issues make it an impossible option. Instead, our community must ensure alternative housing solutions that can provide a safer, legal, and more sustainable way to address housing challenges. We need to get creative with ideas including tiny homes, co-living spaces, transitional housing, room rental units and affordable housing programs.
Learn more about London, Ontario’s affordable housing initiatives here.
