Hi, I have been renting space from a self-storage facility in New York City for about 18 months. Over the course of the 18 months, I have been back to the space 2x to add a few items. On the 2nd time I went back I noticed that there was a substantial leak from the ceiling which had severely damaged all of the items in my space. I brought the leak to the attention of the storage facility and they took photos and said they would call me, which they did after I proactively called them a few times. I went back to the storage spot again a week later to meet with the manager. It happened to be pouring outside. When we got to my unit, it was also pouring inside my space. At this point, I insisted that they move me to another spot, which they did.

When I leased the space I did not take the insurance policy that was offered. So the contract limits the storage space's liability to me almost 100%.

The space I was rented was one of the few in the building with a caged top. I would say 90% of the other units in this massive indoor complex (America's Largest self-storage facility) have sheet rocked ceilings or go to the ceiling, the unit I rented was caged in on top. At the time I rented it, I didn't think anything of it. I'd never rented a storage space before and was pretty naive (thus I didn't take the insurance, etc.). The thing is that I happened to take photos of the space when I rented it and now see that there was a sheet of platic covering the top of the cage. Based on the extent of the damage to my belongings, for example, a cherry wood bed frame is black to the core with mold and covered with worms, I maintain that the space leaked when they rented it to me. I.E. the owners were aware they had water problems.
To date the storage company has offered me $1200 in cash, which is they say reimbursement for the first 18 months of rent) and a year of free rent. My damage is around $8500. I would like to ask them for $4000. Do you think I have a case? -- I have photos of the space (obviously) and video of the rain coming in...also my belongings are clearly damaged. I had a brand new file cabinet in the unit that is now completely rusted -- And can I do this without hiring an attorney?

thanks!

Optional Information:
Country relating to Question: United States
State (if USA): New York

Already Tried:
I have sent them a listing of the damaged items with evidence of the replacement value of the items. I haven't done anything else yet.