Know Your Rights

Key Protections

Three things every storage renter should know

Before any lien sale, the facility MUST send you a written notice at least 14 days before the sale. If they didn't, the sale may be illegal.

You can pay your balance AT ANY TIME before the sale and the facility must release your property. They cannot refuse payment.

For units valued over $700, the facility must publish the sale in a newspaper of general circulation at least once a week for two consecutive weeks.

Detailed Breakdown

Click each section below to expand the details. Knowledge is your first line of defense.

Rental agreements must include the name and address of the facility owner or the person authorized to manage the property.
The facility must disclose all fees and charges in writing before you sign, including late fees, administrative fees, and any other costs you may incur.
The terms of the agreement must be stated clearly in plain, understandable language. Vague or misleading terms can be challenged.
The rental agreement cannot include clauses that waive your statutory rights under Business & Professions Code §21700–21716. Any such clause is void and unenforceable.

The facility can only enforce a lien for unpaid rent and fees explicitly stated in your rental contract. They cannot add charges that were not disclosed.
They must send a preliminary lien notice by both certified mail and regular first-class mail to your last known address.
The notice must include: a description of the property, the name of the person owing the debt, the address of the storage facility, the total amount due, and the date before which payment must be made (at least 14 days from the date the notice is mailed).
You have the right to pay the full amount owed and prevent the sale at any time before it actually occurs. The facility must accept your payment.
For personal property reasonably valued at $700 or more, the facility must publish a notice of the sale in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where the facility is located.
The newspaper advertisement must run at least once a week for two consecutive weeks and must include the tenant's name and a general description of the items to be sold.

Cannot deny you access to your unit while you are current on all payments. Your belongings are yours as long as you are in good standing.
Cannot sell your property without following ALL notice requirements outlined in the code. Missing even one step can make the sale invalid.
Cannot refuse your payment before the sale occurs. If you offer to pay in full before the auction, they must accept it and release your property.
Cannot charge you fees not disclosed in the original rental agreement. Surprise fees or undisclosed administrative charges are not enforceable.
Cannot change the terms of your agreement without proper notice. Any material changes require written notification and your acknowledgment.
Cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, filing a complaint, or disputing charges.

You may be entitled to damages. If a storage company sold your belongings without following proper procedures, you can pursue compensation through civil court.
File a complaint with the California Attorney General. The AG's office investigates unfair business practices and can take enforcement action against violators.
Contact local legal aid organizations. Many offer free consultations for low-income individuals dealing with property disputes. The California State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can help you find representation.
Report the violation to KeepSafe. We track predatory storage practices and work to hold bad actors accountable. Submit a report here and our team will review your case.