About Public Storage Laws

Public storage laws exist to protect those who both own and rent public storage facilities. Knowing these laws and how they apply can help everyone involved.

Significance

Many people use public storage for both business and personal use. Public storage is also known as self-storage. This can be a cost effective solution for storing a small number of items, old business documents, or a large amount of personal belongings. Public storage can be a secure way to keep items safe for years, months, or only weeks at a time. When using a self-storage space or running a self-storage business, knowing the updated laws regarding self storage is crucial to your success.

Types

Public storage laws can vary from state to state. In general, public storage laws define the meaning of the terms used when involved in a public storage business. These terms can include storage facility, storage unit, owner, tenant, rental agreement, personal property, late fee, and last known address. Self storage laws also include the definition of liens, execution of liens, and terms and conditions for non-payment of self storage. It is important to gain in-depth knowledge of these public storage laws and terms before entering into any contract or business agreement.

Function

One of the most important public storage laws regards the lien. A lien is defined as a claim or legal hold on property against services or money that is owed to a another person or entity. In terms of public storage, a lien would mean that the owner of the self-storage unit has the right to seize all property in the public storage if the terms of payment are not met by the tenant within a certain amount of time.

The amount of time allowed before seizing property in public storage can vary, depending on state law. If financial obligations are not met, the property can be sold in a public sale for cash. All proceeds from the sale will be put toward what is owed by the tenant. If the debt is paid before the sale to satisfy the lien, all personal property will be returned to the public storage renter.

Considerations

Public storage can include the inexpensive storage of a very few small items that would fit into a closet, items such as cars, boats, or the contents of an entire house. Be aware of what is permitted in the public storage unit that is rented. Find out what would happen if any property within the self storage unit becomes damaged at the fault of the owner.

Benefits

Public storage laws are meant to protect the best interests of both the owner as well as the tenant. Many states have self-storage associations, which provide the most up-to-date literature and information developed by public storage owners and attorneys regarding relevant laws. Informative events, networking, and advertising are also available.

Warning

While there is not yet a law in place regarding Homeland Security and public storage units, there is a greater awareness of the use of self-storage facilities for potential terrorist behavior. The FBI recently requested that both public storage facility owners and the tenants who use them to become more aware of suspicious behavior in and around storage facilities. Any suspicious behavior is to be reported to the local authorities or a Homeland Security watch office.

Resources

• Find out about public storage laws in every state.
• Learn more about public storage facilities.