# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001585389
**File Stem:** 0001193125-25-145781
**Filing Date:** 2025-6
**Character Count:** 38517
**Document Hash:** 12af1d613bd7978892e56717b56a5f0b
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001193125-25-145781.hdr.sgml**: 20250624

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001193125-25-145781

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: S-8

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 6

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250624

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250624

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20250624

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001585389
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUSTS [6798]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 05 Real Estate & Construction
- **EIN:** 461722812
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** S-8
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 333-288288
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251069791

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 10 TERRACE ROAD
- **CITY:** LADERA RANCH
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92694
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 949 429 6600

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 10 TERRACE ROAD
- **CITY:** LADERA RANCH
- **STATE:** CA
- **ZIP:** 92694

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Strategic Storage Trust II, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20130828

**As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 2025** 

**Registration Statement No. 333-** 

**UNITED STATES** 

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION** 

**WASHINGTON, DC 20549** 

**FORM S-8** 

**REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

***UNDER***

***THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933***

## SMARTSTOP SELF STORAGE REIT, INC.
**(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Maryland** | **46-1722812** |
| **(State or other jurisdiction of**<br> **incorporation or organization)** | **(IRS Employer**<br> **Identification No.)** |
| **10 Terrace Road, Ladera Ranch, California** | **92694** |
| **(Address of Principal Executive Offices)** | **(Zip Code)** |

---

**SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan** 

**(Full title of the plan)** 

**Nicholas M. Look** 

**General Counsel and Secretary** 

**10 Terrace Road** 

**Ladera Ranch, California 92694** 

**(Name and address of agent for service)** 

**(866) 418-5144** 

**(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)** 

***Copies to:***

**Michael K. Rafter** 

**Howard S. Hirsch** 

**Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP** 

**201 17th Street NW, Suite 1700** 

**Atlanta, Georgia 30363** 

**(404) 322-6000** 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer | ☐ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☒ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
|  |  | Emerging growth company | ☐ |

---

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

------

**PART I** 

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS** 

The document(s) containing the information required by Part I of Form S-8 will be sent or given by SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (the "Registrant") to participants in the SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan") covered by this Registration Statement pursuant to Rule 428(b)(1) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). In accordance with Rule 428(b)(1) and the requirements of Part I of Form S-8, such documents are not being filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") either as part of this registration statement (this "Registration Statement") or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424 under the Securities Act.

**PART II** 

**INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT** 

**Item 3.** **Incorporation of Documents by Reference.** <br>

The following documents previously filed by the Registrant with the Commission are incorporated herein by reference:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Registrant's Annual Report on [Form 10-K](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017025037896/ck0001585389-20241231.htm) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Commission on March 12, 2025;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The Registrant's Quarterly Report on [Form 10-Q](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017025068012/ck0001585389-20250331.htm) for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025, filed with the Commission on May 9, 2025;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) The Registrant's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the
Commission on [February 5, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017025014253/ck0001585389-20250205.htm) , [March 21, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525060339/d798568d8k.htm) , [April 3, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525072350/d861664d8k.htm) , [April 18, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017025055677/ck0001585389-20250417.htm) , [April 29, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017025060350/ck0001585389-20250429.htm) , [May 7, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017025065649/ck0001585389-20250507.htm) , [May 12, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017025069440/ck0001585389-20250512.htm) , [June 2, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525133418/d79705d8k.htm) , [June 12, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017025085386/ck0001585389-20250612.htm) and [June 16, 2025](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/../../../ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525141463/d101110d8k.htm) (except, with respect to each of the foregoing, for portions of such reports which
are deemed to be furnished and not filed);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d) All other reports filed pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the "Exchange Act"), since the end of the fiscal year covered by the Annual Report referred to in (a) above; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e) The description of the Registrant's Common Stock contained in the Registrant's Registration Statement
on [Form 8-A](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525069941/d929815d8a12b.htm) , filed with the Commission on April 1, 2025, and any amendment or report filed for the purpose
of updating such description.

All documents filed, but not furnished, by the Registrant pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date hereof and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered under this Registration Statement have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents (except, with respect to each of the foregoing, for portions of such documents which are deemed to be furnished and not filed).

Any statement contained in a document incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes hereof to the extent that a statement contained herein (or in any other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein) modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof except as so modified or superseded.

**Item 4.** **Description of Securities.** <br>

Not applicable.

------

**Item 5.** **Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.** <br>

Not applicable.

**Item 6.** **Indemnification of Directors and Officers.** <br>

The Maryland General Corporation Law, as amended (the "MGCL"), permits a Maryland corporation to include in its charter a provision limiting the liability of its directors and officers to the corporation and its stockholders for money damages except for liability resulting from (a) actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services or (b) active and deliberate dishonesty established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action. Our charter contains a provision providing for elimination of the liability of our directors or officers to us or our stockholders for money damages, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law.

The MGCL requires a Maryland corporation (unless its charter provides otherwise, which our charter does not) to indemnify a director or officer who has been successful, on the merits or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made a party by reason of his or her service in that capacity. The MGCL permits a Maryland corporation to indemnify its present and former directors and officers, among others, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with any proceeding to which they may be made or threatened to be made a party by reason of their service in those or other capacities unless it is established that (a) the act or omission of the director or officer was material to the matter giving rise to the proceeding and (i) was committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (b) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in money, property or services or (c) in the case of any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. However, under the MGCL, a Maryland corporation may not indemnify for an adverse judgment in a suit by or in the right of the corporation or for a judgment of liability on the basis that personal benefit was improperly received, unless in either case a court orders indemnification and then only for expenses. In addition, the MGCL permits a corporation to advance reasonable expenses to a director or officer upon the corporation's receipt of (a) a written affirmation by the director or officer of his or her good faith belief that he or she has met the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification and (b) a written undertaking by or on his or her behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct was not met. It is the position of the Commission that indemnification of directors and officers for liabilities arising under the Securities Act is against public policy and is unenforceable pursuant to Section 14 of the Securities Act.

Our charter provides that, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law in effect from time to time, we must indemnify and, without requiring a preliminary determination of the ultimate entitlement to indemnification, must pay or reimburse reasonable expenses in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding to: (i) any individual who is a present or former director or officer of us and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in such capacity; or (ii) any individual who, while a director or officer of us and at our request, serves or has served as a director, officer, member, manager, partner or trustee of another corporation, real estate investment trust, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or any other enterprise and who is made or threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, the proceeding by reason of his or her service in such capacity.

We also maintain insurance on behalf of all of our directors and executive officers against liability asserted against or incurred by them in their official capacities with us.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and executive officers (each, an "Indemnitee"). The indemnification agreements obligate us, if an Indemnitee is or is threatened to be made a party to, or witness in, any proceeding by reason of such Indemnitee's status as a present or former director or officer of us, or as a director, trustee, officer, partner, manager, managing member, fiduciary, employee or agent of another entity that the Indemnitee served in such capacity at our request, to indemnify such Indemnitee, and advance expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him or her, subject to certain exceptions and conditions.

**Item 7.** **Exemption from Registration Claimed.** <br>

Not applicable.

------

**Item 8.** **Exhibits.** <br>

The following exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Description** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.1 | [Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 19, 2019, Commission File No. 000-55617](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000156459019035035/ck1585389-ex31_7.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.2 | [Articles Supplementary for Series A Convertible Preferred Stock of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 30, 2019, Commission File No. 000-55617](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000156459019038732/ck1585389-ex31_10.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.3 | [Articles of Amendment to Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 23, 2021, Commission File No. 000-55617](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000156459021033898/ck1585389-ex31_7.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.4 | [Articles of Merger Between SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. and SSGT II Merger Sub, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 18, 2024, Commission File No. 000-55617](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017024032792/ck0001585389-ex3_4.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.5 | [Articles of Amendment for Reverse Stock Split to the Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 21, 2025, Commission File No. 000-55617](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525060339/d798568dex31.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.6 | [Articles of Amendment for Par Value Decrease to the Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 21, 2025, Commission File No. 000-55617](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525060339/d798568dex32.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.7 | [Articles Supplementary (Common Stock Reclassification) of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 21, 2025, Commission File No. 000-55617](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525060339/d798568dex33.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.8 | [Articles Supplementary (Subtitle 8 Opt-Out) of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 3, 2025, Commission File No. 001-42584](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525072350/d861664dex31.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.9 | [Articles of Amendment for Decrease in Authorized Shares to the Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 1to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 12, 2025, Commission File No. 001-42584](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017025085386/ck0001585389-ex3_1.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.10 | [Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 19, 2019, Commission File No. 000-55617](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000156459019035035/ck1585389-ex32_6.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.11 | [Statement regarding restrictions on transferability of shares of common stock (to appear on stock certificate or to be sent upon request and without charge to stockholders issued shares without certificates), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11, filed on March 24, 2025, Commission File No. 333-264449](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000119312525060868/d860878dex41.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.12 | [SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 15, 2022, Commission File No. 000-55617](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1585389/000095017022011673/ck0001585389-ex10_1.htm) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.1\* | [Opinion of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP](d866191dex51.htm) |
| 23.1\* | [Consent of BDO USA, P.C.](d866191dex231.htm) |
| 23.2\* | [Consent of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)](d866191dex51.htm) |
| 24.1\* | [Power of Attorney](d866191dex241.htm) |
| 107\* | [Filing Fee Table](d866191dexfilingfees.htm) |

---

\* Filed herewith.

------

**Item 9.** **Undertakings.** <br>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement;

*provided*, *however*, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the Registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement related to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at the time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(h) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

------

**SIGNATURES** 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Ladera Ranch, State of California, on June 24, 2025.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **SMARTSTOP SELF STORAGE REIT, INC.** | **SMARTSTOP SELF STORAGE REIT, INC.** |
| By: | /s/ James R. Barry |
|  | James R. Barry<br> Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Capacity** | **Date** |
| /s/ H. Michael Schwartz<br> H. Michael Schwartz\* | Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer<br> (Principal Executive Officer) | June 24, 2025 |
| /s/ James R. Barry<br> James R. Barry | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer<br> (Principal Financial Officer) | June 24, 2025 |
| /s/ Michael O. Terjung<br> Michael O. Terjung\* | Chief Accounting Officer<br> (Principal Accounting Officer) | June 24, 2025 |
| /s/ Paula Mathews<br> Paula Mathews\* | Director | June 24, 2025 |
| /s/ Timothy S. Morris<br> Timothy S. Morris\* | Director | June 24, 2025 |
| /s/ David J. Mueller<br> David J. Mueller\* | Director | June 24, 2025 |
| /s/ Harold "Skip" Perry<br> Harold "Skip" Perry\* | Director | June 24, 2025 |

---

\* By: James R. Barry, as Attorney in fact, pursuant to Power of Attorney dated June 20, 2025 and filed herewith.

## Exhibit 5.1

**Exhibit 5.1** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| ![LOGO](g866191g0620153421160.jpg)  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**NELSON MULLINS RILEY & SCARBOROUGH LLP**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW** |
|  | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**100 S. Charles Street**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Suite 1200**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Baltimore, Maryland 21201**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**T 443.392.9400 F 443.392.9499**<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**nelsonmullins.com** |

---

June 24, 2025

SMARTSTOP SELF STORAGE REIT, INC.

10 Terrace Road

Ladera Ranch, California 92694

Re: Registration Statement on Form S-8

SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We serve as Maryland counsel to SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), in connection with your filing of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the "<u>Registration Statement</u>") pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<u>Securities Act</u>"), on or about the date of this letter (this "<u>Opinion Letter</u>") relating to an aggregate of up to 1,424,120 shares (the "<u>Shares</u>") of the Company's common stock, par value $0.001 per share, that may be issued pursuant to the SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "<u>Plan</u>").

In connection with our representation of the Company, and as a basis for the opinions hereinafter set forth, we have examined originals, or copies certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following documents (collectively, the "<u>Documents</u>"):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. the Registration Statement and the related form of prospectus in the form in which it will be sent or given to
employees of the Company in accordance with Rule 428(b)(1) under the Securities Act;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. the Second Articles of Amendment and Restatement of the Company dated September 16, 2019, as amended by
the Articles Supplementary dated October 29, 2019, the Articles of Amendment dated June 22, 2021, the Articles of Merger dated June 2, 2022, the Articles of Amendment dated March 20, 2025, the Articles of Amendment dated
March 20, 2025, the Articles Supplementary dated March 20, 2025, the Articles Supplementary dated April 2, 2025, and the Articles of Amendment dated June 12, 2025 (together, the " <u>Charter</u> "), certified as of a
recent date by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation of Maryland (the " <u>SDAT</u> ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. the second amended and restated bylaws of the Company, certified as of the date hereof by the Secretary of the
Company;

**CALIFORNIA \| COLORADO \| DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA \| FLORIDA \| GEORGIA \| ILLINOIS \| MARYLAND \| MASSACHUSETTS \| MINNESOTA** 

**NEW YORK \| NORTH CAROLINA \| OHIO \| PENNSYLVANIA \| SOUTH CAROLINA \| TENNESSEE \| TEXAS \| VIRGINIA \| WEST VIRGINIA** 

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SMARTSTOP SELF STORAGE REIT, INC.

June 24, 2025

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. resolutions adopted by the board of directors of the Company relating to (i) the approval of the Plan and
(ii) the issuance and registration of the Shares, certified as of a recent date by the Secretary of the Company (the " <u>Resolutions</u> ");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. a certificate of the SDAT as to the good standing of the Company, dated as of a recent date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. a certificate executed by the Secretary of the Company, dated as of a recent date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. the Plan; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. such other documents and matters, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, as we have deemed
necessary or appropriate to express the opinions set forth in this Opinion Letter, subject to the assumptions, limitations, qualifications, and exceptions stated in this Opinion Letter.

In expressing the opinions set forth below, we have assumed, and so far as is known to us there are no facts inconsistent with, the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. Each individual executing any of the Documents, whether on behalf of such individual or another person, is
legally competent to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. Each individual executing any of the Documents on behalf of a party (other than the Company) is duly authorized
to do so.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. Each of the parties (other than the Company) executing any of the Documents has duly and validly executed and
delivered each of the Documents to which such party is a signatory, and such party's obligations set forth therein are legal, valid, and binding and are enforceable in accordance with all stated terms.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D. All Documents submitted to us as originals are authentic. All Documents submitted to us as certified,
photostatic, or facsimile copies or portable document file (PDF) format conform to the original documents. All signatures on all such Documents are genuine. All public records reviewed or relied upon by us or on our behalf are true and complete. All
statements and information contained in the Documents are true and complete. There has been no oral or written modification or amendment to the Documents, or waiver of any of the provision of any of the Documents, by action or omission of the
parties or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E. The Shares will not be issued or transferred in violation of any restriction or limitation contained on
transfer and ownership of shares of stock of the Company contained in the Charter.

Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the assumptions, limitations, qualifications, and exceptions stated in this Opinion Letter, it is our opinion that the Shares have been duly authorized for issuance pursuant to the Plan, and when issued and delivered against payment therefor in the manner contemplated by the Plan, the Registration Statement, the Resolutions, and the Charter, will be validly issued, fully paid, and non-assessable. No opinion is expressed in this Opinion Letter as to any matter other than the legality of the Shares.

In addition to the assumptions, comments, limitations, qualifications, and exceptions set forth above, the opinions set forth in this Opinion Letter are further limited by, subject to and based upon the following assumptions, comments, qualifications, limitations, and exceptions:

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SMARTSTOP SELF STORAGE REIT, INC.

June 24, 2025

The foregoing opinions are limited to the Maryland General Corporation Law, and we do not express any opinion in this Opinion Letter concerning the laws of any other jurisdiction. We express no opinion as to compliance with any federal or state securities laws, including the securities laws of the State of Maryland.

The opinions set forth in this Opinion Letter are expressed as of the date of this Opinion Letter and we disclaim any undertaking to advise you of any changes which may subsequently be brought to our attention in the facts or the law upon which such opinions are based.

This Opinion Letter is being furnished to you for submission to the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and, accordingly, may not be relied upon by, quoted in any manner to, or delivered to any other person or entity without, in each instance, our prior written consent.

We hereby consent to the inclusion of this Opinion Letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement. In giving our consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

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| |
|:---|
| Very truly yours, |
| /s/ Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP |
| Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP |

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## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1** 

<u>Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm</u> 

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 of our report dated March 12, 2025, relating to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc. (the Company) appearing in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

Costa Mesa, California

June 24, 2025

## Exhibit 24.1

**Exhibit 24.1** 

**SMARTSTOP SELF STORAGE REIT, INC.** 

**POWER OF ATTORNEY** 

The undersigned directors and officers of **SMARTSTOP SELF STORAGE REIT, INC.** (the "Company") hereby constitute and appoint H. Michael Schwartz, James R. Barry, and Nicholas M. Look, or either of them acting singly, the true and lawful agents and attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned, with full power and authority in said agents and the attorneys-in-fact to act in the name of and on behalf of the undersigned to sign for the undersigned and in their respective names as directors and officers of the Company in connection with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, to sign any and all amendments, including any post-effective amendments, to such Registration Statement, to perform any and all such acts necessary or proper in connection with the filing of such Registration Statement, and, generally, to act for and in the name of the undersigned with respect to such filing.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Power of Attorney has been signed below, effective as of June 20, 2025, by the following persons in the capacities indicated below.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Signature** | **Title** | **Date** |
| */s/ H. Michael Schwartz*<br> H. Michael Schwartz | Chief Executive Officer and Chairman<br> (Principal Executive Officer) | June 20, 2025 |
| */s/ James R. Barry*<br> James R. Barry | Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer<br> (Principal Financial Officer) | June 20, 2025 |
| */s/ Michael O. Terjung*<br> Michael O. Terjung | Chief Accounting Officer<br> (Principal Accounting Officer) | June 20, 2025 |
| */s/ Paula Mathews*<br> Paula Mathews | Independent Director | June 20, 2025 |
| */s/ David J. Mueller*<br> David J. Mueller | Independent Director | June 20, 2025 |
| */s/ Timothy S. Morris*<br> Timothy S. Morris | Independent Director | June 20, 2025 |
| */s/ Harold "Skip" Perry*<br> Harold "Skip" Perry | Independent Director | June 20, 2025 |

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## Ex-Filing

**Exhibit 107** 

**Calculation of Filing Fee Tables** 

**<u>FORM S-8</u>**

(Form Type)

**<u>SmartStop Self Storage REIT, Inc.</u>**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

<u>Table 1: Newly Registered Securities</u> 

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Security Type** | **Security<br>Class**<br> **Title** | **Proposed**<br> **Maximum**<br> **Offering<br>Price Per<br>Unit**<br> **Per Share<sup>(2)</sup>**  | **Maximum**<br> **Aggregate**<br> **Offering**<br> **Price** | **Fee**<br> **Rate** | **Amount of**<br> **Registration<br>Fee** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity | Common stock, par value $0.001 per share Other<sup>(2)</sup>1424120<sup>(3)</sup> | $35.99 | $51254078.80 | $0.00015310 | $7847.00 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Offering Amounts** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Offering Amounts** |  | $51254078.80 |  | $7847.00 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Fee Offsets<sup>(4)</sup>** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Total Fee Offsets<sup>(4)</sup>** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Net Fee Due** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Net Fee Due** |  |  |  | $7847.00 |

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(1) Pursuant to Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the
amount to be registered also includes an indeterminate number of additional shares of the registrant's common stock that become issuable under the registrant's 2022 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2022 Plan") by reason of any
stock dividend, stock split, or other similar transaction that increases the number of outstanding shares of the registrant's common stock.

(2) Estimated in accordance with Rule 457(c) and Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee. The registration fee is based on the average of the high and low prices of the registrant's common stock on June 17, 2025, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange.

(3) Represents the maximum number of shares of the registrant's common stock issuable under the 2022 Plan less
the number of shares of common stock previously issued under the 2022 Plan.

(4) The registrant does not have any fee offsets.