Gate access software gives each tenant a personal code, turns it off when rent is past due under your rules, and turns it back on when they pay. Stitch Storage manages those codes for each tenant and keeps a record of every change.
The problem
At a staffed site, you can see who walks in. At an unmanned site, a shared code leaks and a past-due tenant keeps coming and going. A gate that follows payment fixes both.
How it works, step by step
- Move-in. The tenant finishes the lease and first payment. Stitch creates a code for that tenant.
- Code delivered. The renter sees it at the end of the online flow, or you give it in the office.
- Rent is paid. The code stays on.
- Rent goes late. Following the grace period you set, the code turns off. You choose the number of days.
- Tenant pays. The balance clears, the code turns back on.
- Move-out. The code is removed when the lease ends.
- Review. Import access logs by CSV to see activity.
Worked example
Say your policy is: grace period 5 days, lockout on day 6. Rent of $95 is due on the 1st. On the 6th, the tenant's code turns off and a $10 late fee posts, if that is your fee. On the 9th they pay $105 by card. The code turns back on, and the ledger shows the charge, the fee and the payment. For an ACH payment, Stripe says confirmation can take up to 4 business days, so many owners set a longer grace period for bank payers.
What to ask about hardware
Stitch is built around a gate provider interface, so hardware makers such as PTI, OpenTech and Noke can plug in. Support for each brand depends on the integration status at the time you sign up. Before you buy a keypad, tell us the model and we will say what works today. We will not promise an integration that is not live.
| Question | Why |
|---|---|
| Does the keypad take unique codes per tenant? | Needed for lockout |
| Can codes be changed remotely? | Saves trips |
| Is there an access log? | Needed for disputes |
| What happens when power or internet fails? | Pick a fallback |
| Can the vendor be switched later? | Avoid lock-in |
Policy and communication
Write your rule down, post it on the gate and in the lease. A gate code policy template helps. Say how many days of grace tenants get and how to get back in.
Lockout versus overlock
Lockout stops entry through the gate. An overlock is a physical lock on the unit. Some states have rules on denying access, so ask an attorney. This is general information, not legal advice.
Security
Codes are one layer. Add cameras, lighting and fencing. See the guide on facility security and cameras, and the unmanned facility software page.
Cost
Gate access is part of Stitch. Starter $39 a month (up to 50 units), Pro $99 a month (unlimited units), additional facility $59, 0.3% platform fee on rent processed. No contracts. See pricing.
Setting a sensible lockout schedule
Lockout is powerful, so use it with care. Here is a sample schedule you can adapt.
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| Due date | Rent charged; autopay runs |
| Day 1 to 5 | Grace period; reminder text or email |
| Day 6 | Late fee posts; code turns off |
| Day 10 | Second notice |
| Per your state | Lien steps begin |
Post the same schedule in your lease and on the gate. If you offer an extra day for bank payments, say so. Stripe notes ACH can take up to 4 business days to confirm.
Code hygiene
- Use a code per tenant, never a shared code.
- Do not reuse a code after a move-out.
- Keep codes long enough to resist guessing, within what your keypad allows.
- Ask tenants not to share codes. A lease clause can say so.
- Check the access log if a tenant reports a problem.
What tenants say at the gate
A locked-out tenant is often upset. Prepare a short script: "Your account shows a balance. You can pay on your phone and your code returns once the payment clears." Make sure the tenant can pay without calling you. The payment page works on a phone, and card payments confirm fast.
Fair treatment and legal rules
Some states have rules about denying access to a unit with a lien. Many treat gate lockout and a lock on the door differently. Check your statute, and ask an attorney before you rely on lockout alone. This is general information, not legal advice. See self storage lien laws.
Power and internet outages
Hardware fails. Know what your gate does when power fails, and keep a manual way in for emergencies. Keep a local contact for gate repair. If Stitch cannot reach your gate, codes will not change until it can, so check your hardware's behavior before you rely on automatic lockout.