Cover image for 8 Best Tenant Storage Lockers for Apartments & Condos

Introduction

Apartment and condo units are shrinking. As unit sizes continue to shrink—driven by rising urban land costs and the demand for affordable housing—residents are left with less space to store seasonal gear, sports equipment, and household overflow. The U.S. needs to build 4.3 million more apartments by 2035 to meet demand, and most of those units will prioritize compact, efficient layouts over generous storage.

For property managers, this squeeze creates both a challenge and an opportunity. Tenants want secure, organized storage outside their units, and most are willing to pay a monthly fee for it.

Tenant storage lockers address both sides of that equation: they meet resident demand while generating a reliable ancillary revenue stream. Many property managers recoup their locker investment in under 12 months through modest rental fees.

This guide reviews eight tenant storage locker systems worth considering, with a focus on security, modularity, build quality, and value — so you can match the right system to your property's layout and resident expectations.

TL;DR

  • Tenant storage lockers are lockable wire mesh or steel enclosures installed in basements or parking garages — dedicated storage outside the unit
  • Top systems combine welded mesh or heavy-gauge steel construction with padlockable frames and modular configurations
  • Choose based on locker type (single-tier vs. stacked), material, locking mechanism, and available floor space
  • Property managers typically recoup costs within one year through monthly tenant rental fees
  • The eight brands below cover configurations for small apartment buildings through large condo complexes

What Are Tenant Storage Lockers?

Tenant storage lockers are individual, lockable enclosures—typically constructed from welded wire mesh or steel—installed in shared building spaces such as basements, utility rooms, or parking garages. They give each resident a dedicated storage area outside their apartment or condo unit, freeing up living space without requiring costly unit expansions.

Two configurations cover most residential applications:

Primary Configurations

  • Single-tier walk-in units (typically 90" high) suit buildings with high ceilings and tenants storing large items like furniture, bicycles, and seasonal gear
  • Double-tier stacked units maximize vertical space, doubling locker count in the same floor footprint—ideal for space-constrained basements

Why Wire Mesh Is the Standard

Wire mesh construction is the industry norm for tenant lockers because it provides:

  • Clear sightlines that reduce theft and unauthorized use
  • Open airflow that prevents mold and moisture buildup in basement or garage environments
  • Sprinkler pass-through that satisfies fire code without modifications

Most systems use 10-gauge welded wire mesh (typically 2" x 2" openings) to balance security with code-compliant ventilation and visibility.

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8 Best Tenant Storage Lockers for Apartments & Condos

These products were selected based on construction quality, security features, customization options, scalability, and suitability for residential multi-family applications. Property managers should verify current pricing and specifications directly with each manufacturer before purchasing. The list spans wire mesh and solid steel construction, budget-friendly and premium tiers, and floor-mounted and overhead configurations.

WireCrafters Tenant Storage Locker Units

WireCrafters manufactures wire partitions and tenant lockers from its U.S. facilities. Their RapidWire lockers feature 10-gauge wire in 2" x 2" welded mesh, welded into a 1-1/4" x 13-gauge rolled formed angle frame. Units are available in single-tier (walk-in) and double-tier configurations, with a standard height of 90".

Key Features:

  • 2" x 2" welded wire mesh (10-gauge)
  • 1-1/4" x 13-gauge angle frame construction
  • Padlock lug standard; optional 3-point keyed lock
  • Field-modifiable around obstructions (pipes, ducts)

Dimensions & Capacity:

  • Standard height: 7'-6" (90")
  • Multiple footprint options available
  • Heavy-duty frame supports high-capacity storage

Best For:
Large apartment complexes needing scalable, field-adaptable systems. The 3-point lock upgrade suits buildings requiring higher security without electronic access management.

Jesco Industries Bulk Storage Lockers

Jesco Industries offers a modular three-sided locker design that attaches to existing walls, reducing material costs and installation time. Their units feature 2" x 1" x 10-gauge woven rectangular mesh that promotes maximum airflow—critical for preventing mold in basement installations.

Key Features:

  • 2" x 1" woven rectangular mesh (10-gauge)
  • Starter + Add-On unit system for phased deployment
  • Attaches to existing walls (three-sided design)
  • Padlockable with tenant-supplied lock

Dimensions & Capacity:

  • Standard height: 90"
  • Starter units sold per run; add-ons expand laterally
  • Single or double-tier configurations

Best For:
Buildings adding storage capacity gradually as tenant demand grows. The Starter/Add-On system lets property managers begin with one run and expand laterally over time.

Penco Products Wire Mesh Storage Lockers

Penco has manufactured lockers since 1869. Their wire mesh tenant lockers offer a balance of affordability and build quality, with GREENGUARD Gold Certification for low chemical emissions—ideal for indoor basement installations.

Key Features:

  • Heavy-gauge frame construction
  • Compatible with standard padlocks
  • GREENGUARD Gold Certified (low emissions)
  • Available in single and double-tier

Dimensions & Capacity:

  • Multiple footprint options
  • Standard locker heights accommodate most residential applications
  • Interior cubic footage varies by configuration

Best For:
Mid-size apartment buildings seeking a balance of affordability, durability, and indoor air quality compliance.

Hallowell Steel Storage Lockers

Hallowell's all-steel bulk storage lockers differ from wire mesh units by offering solid steel panels. This provides greater privacy and a more refined aesthetic, though at the cost of ventilation and visibility. Solid steel is ideal for high-end condos where residents prioritize privacy over airflow.

Key Features:

  • Solid steel panel construction (various gauges available)
  • Keyed or combination locking mechanisms
  • Multiple finish options for aesthetic flexibility
  • Maximum security and privacy

Dimensions & Capacity:

  • Standard unit sizes accommodate typical residential storage needs
  • Weight ratings support heavy items

Best For:
High-end condos where aesthetics and privacy matter more than ventilation. Solid steel suits climate-controlled storage rooms where mold isn't a concern.

Global Industrial Wire Mesh Lockers

Global Industrial offers value-tier wire mesh lockers suitable for property managers with budget constraints or smaller buildings deploying lockers for the first time. Units are available in pre-assembled or knock-down configurations, reducing shipping costs.

Key Features:

  • Wire mesh construction (gauge varies by model)
  • Hasp compatible with standard padlocks
  • Pre-assembled or knock-down options
  • Optional shelves and panel configurations

Dimensions & Capacity:

  • Multiple standard sizes available
  • Shelf add-ons for organizing smaller items
  • Suitable for single or double-tier installations

Best For:
Smaller apartment buildings or HOAs deploying lockers for the first time. The knock-down configuration reduces freight costs for budget-conscious projects.

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StoreMoreStore Tenant Lockers

StoreMoreStore emphasizes customization and modular expansion. Their Stor-More line features framed welded wire lockers with powder-coated finishes, with sizes ranging from 3' x 3' to 4' x 5'. The Starter/Add-On system allows property managers to configure units against walls or in double-row back-to-back layouts.

Key Features:

  • Framed welded wire construction
  • Powder-coated finish for durability
  • Starter/Add-On modular system
  • Padlock hasp standard

Dimensions & Capacity:

  • Sizes: 3' x 3' x 92.5" up to 4' x 5' x 92.5"
  • Single-row units (no back panel required)
  • Double-row units share common back panels

Best For:
New construction projects where custom sizing is needed to fit basement or garage layouts. The modular system suits buildings planning future expansion.

Spacesaver Over-Car Storage Lockers

Spacesaver specializes in overhead storage systems that mount above parking stalls, creating usable storage space without consuming ground-level floor area. These units are ideal for urban condos with structured parking garages but no dedicated storage rooms.

Key Features:

  • Overhead mounting system (above parking stalls)
  • Swing-down or pull-out access mechanism
  • Load capacity rated for typical residential storage
  • Safety compliance for overhead installations

Installation Requirements:

  • Minimum ceiling clearance required above stall height
  • Weight limits accommodate seasonal gear and sports equipment
  • Professional installation required; structural review recommended for older garages

Best For:
Urban condos and high-rises with structured parking garages and no spare floor space. This is the only locker type that adds tenant storage without reducing parking capacity or common area square footage.

American Locker Group Condo Storage Units

American Locker Group offers a diverse range of locking technologies, including electronic and keypad access options. This suits high-occupancy condo buildings requiring robust access control without property manager key management overhead.

Key Features:

  • Multiple locking technologies: keyed, combination, electronic
  • Materials: aluminum, painted steel, stainless steel, galvanized steel
  • Corrosive-resistant finishes for garage environments
  • Access management features

Access Control Options:

  • Keypad and electronic locks eliminate master key overhead for property managers
  • Audit trail capability available on select electronic models
  • Corrosion-resistant finishes suit underground or coastal garage environments

Best For:
Luxury condos or buildings that want tenant-facing electronic or combination lock access without property manager key management. Corrosive-resistant finishes suit harsh garage environments.

What to Look for When Choosing a Tenant Storage Locker

Four factors drive most purchasing decisions: locker configuration, material quality, locking mechanism, and scalability. Getting these right upfront saves time and avoids costly reconfigurations later.

Locker Type and Tier Configuration

Start by deciding between single-tier and double-tier units:

  • Single-tier walk-in units suit buildings with high ceilings and tenants storing large items (bikes, furniture, seasonal gear)
  • Double-tier stacked units maximize units-per-square-foot in space-constrained basements or utility rooms

Material and Construction Quality

Material choice affects long-term durability and tenant satisfaction:

  • Wire mesh (welded vs. woven) is preferred for ventilation and visibility
  • Solid steel offers more privacy but sacrifices airflow
  • Look for heavy-gauge frames (minimum 14-gauge steel) and corrosion-resistant finishes for basement or garage environments

Locking Mechanisms

Three primary locking options exist:

  • Padlock hasp (most common): Tenant provides own lock, reducing management overhead
  • Built-in keyed locks: Property manager controls access but must manage keys
  • Electronic/keypad locks: Most convenient for tenants, but requires a backend access management system

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Scalability and Modularity

Modular systems let buildings scale without committing to a full installation from day one:

  • Starter/Add-On configurations share common side panels, reducing material costs as you expand
  • Expandable units let you add lockers as tenant demand grows, avoiding high upfront costs
  • Confirm compatibility between phases before purchasing — not all modular lines accept future add-ons from the same manufacturer

How We Chose the Best Tenant Storage Lockers

The selection process focused on brands with established manufacturing credibility in the residential storage locker space. Products were evaluated against criteria including:

  • Construction gauge and mesh type
  • Locking security features
  • Available size configurations
  • Modularity and expansion capability
  • Value relative to price

Property managers should avoid choosing based on price alone. Thin-gauge or poorly welded units often fail within a few years under heavy use, leading to tenant complaints and replacement costs. Units that meet recognized construction standards tend to hold up — and that's where certifications matter.

Confirm that products meet applicable local building codes for common-area storage. Suppliers offering UL Listed or ANSI Compliant products give property managers a clearer path to code compliance and fewer headaches down the line.

Source Equipment Company has provided commercial-grade storage solutions to property and facility managers since 1989. Their team can help identify the right locker configuration for a building's layout and tenant population.

Conclusion

The right tenant storage locker depends on building layout, available floor space, tenant demographics, and budget. Match the locker configuration (tier, material, locking type) to their building's specific constraints.

Think beyond the initial purchase price. Consider:

  • Long-term revenue from monthly tenant rental fees
  • Installation costs and site prep requirements
  • Scalability as the building grows or demand increases

According to Wire Crafters, most property managers recoup their locker investment in under 12 months by charging tenants a modest monthly rental fee.

Need help choosing the right locker system for your building? Source Equipment Company offers expert consultation and nationwide shipping on storage lockers and material handling solutions. Contact us at 1-800-743-5545 or visit sourceequipment.com to speak with a specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is installing tenant storage lockers worth the investment?

For property managers, adding on-site storage lockers is one of the highest-ROI amenity upgrades available. Lockers increase unit desirability, support premium rent pricing, and reduce tenant turnover — all without major construction or permitting.

Which type of locker is best for apartment buildings?

Wire mesh lockers are the standard choice for multi-family buildings. They allow airflow (preventing mold), provide visibility for security, and come in single-tier or double-tier configurations to fit different space constraints.

How to add storage to a condo?

Install tenant storage lockers in a basement, utility room, or parking garage; use over-car storage units above parking stalls; or convert underutilized common areas. Wire mesh locker systems are the most flexible and easy-to-manage option for property owners.

What to put in a condo storage locker?

Common items include seasonal decorations, holiday gear, winter sports equipment, bicycles, sporting goods, extra furniture, and overflow household items that don't fit in the unit. Avoid storing hazardous materials or perishables.

How to secure an apartment storage cage?

Most wire mesh tenant lockers come with a padlock hasp. Tenants should use a high-quality disc lock or shrouded padlock for maximum security. Property managers can also opt for lockers with built-in keyed or electronic locks for added control.

What size storage locker do most apartment buildings use?

Most buildings install lockers in the 4×4×7 ft or 5×5×7 ft range per unit, which accommodates bulky items like bikes and seasonal gear. Double-tier configurations (two stacked units sharing one footprint) are a practical choice when floor space is limited.