A method and system for facilitating rental of self-storage rental units is operative
to establish interactive communication between a potential customer located at
a rental site service area and a remote manager who can recommend one or more storage
units that meet the customer's size needs and time availability. The manager can
direct the customer through a security gate to specific storage units for inspection,
and guide the customer in completing a rental agreement for a selected storage
unit at the customer service area. Telephonic communication between the customer
and the remote manager is established via a public switch telephone network. The
remote manager can provide instructions and answer questions while observing the
customer's movements, and can verify information inserted on the rental agreement
through strategically placed cameras within the customer service area. Security
cameras enable the remote manager to observe the rental unit site.