What should you know before renting a self-storage unit?

If you fall behind, a storage facility can enforce a lien and sell your property, but state law requires notice first. Texas requires written notice and at least 14 days to pay before advertising a sale. Florida requires a written demand giving at least 14 days to pay, then advertising for two weeks with the sale at least 15 days after first publication. In both states you can redeem your property by paying before the sale.

Key facts

• Texas requires a storage facility to deliver written notice of its claim before seizing and selling property for unpaid rent.
• In Texas, if the tenant doesn't pay within 14 days of notice, the facility must publish or post sale notices before selling.
• Texas storage lien sales must be public, at the facility, a nearby public place or a public website, to the highest bidder.
• Texas tenants may redeem their property before sale by paying the lien amount and reasonable expenses.
• Florida requires a storage lien notice to demand payment within a specified time of at least 14 days.
• Florida requires the sale to take place at least 15 days after the advertisement is first published.
• In both Texas and Florida, sale proceeds above the debt are held for the tenant to claim for two years.

How does a Texas storage lien sale work?

The facility must deliver written notice of its claim (Property Code 59.042). If the tenant doesn't pay within 14 days, it must publish or post sale notices; a sale can follow 15 days after publication or 10 days after posting. The notice must describe the property, name the tenant and give the time, place and terms (59.044). The sale must be public and go to the highest bidder (59.045).

How does a Florida storage lien sale work?

Florida Statutes 83.806 requires written notice with an itemized claim and a demand for payment within at least 14 days. After that, the sale is advertised once a week for two consecutive weeks, and the sale must be at least 15 days after the first ad. Sales can be held on public auction websites.

Can you get your things back?

Yes, before the sale. Texas lets you redeem by paying the lien and reasonable expenses (59.008), and Florida does too. After a sale, any excess money is held for you to claim for two years in both states (59.046).

What if a facility breaks the rules?

In Texas, a person injured by a violation of the storage lien law can sue under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (59.005).

How to choose a provider

• Read the rental agreement's late fee and lien terms.
• Keep your contact information current with the facility.
• Set up automatic payment if possible.
• Respond quickly to any lien notice.
• Pay before the sale date to redeem your property.
• Ask about excess proceeds if your unit is sold.

Self-storage facilities guides by state and city

• Florida
• Texas

Questions people ask

Can a storage facility sell my stuff?

Yes, for unpaid rent, after the notices state law requires.

How much time do I get in Texas?

At least 14 days after written notice before sale notices go out, then more days before the sale.

How much time do I get in Florida?

At least 14 days to pay after notice, then a sale at least 15 days after the first advertisement.

Can I stop the sale?

Yes, by paying the lien and reasonable expenses before the sale.

What happens to extra money from the sale?

It's held for you to claim for two years in both states.

Can storage auctions be online?

Yes, both states allow sales on public websites.

Sources

• Texas Property Code 59.042, storage lien seizure and sale procedure
• Texas Property Code 59.044, notice of sale
• Texas Property Code 59.045, conduct of sale
• Texas Property Code 59.008, redemption
• Texas Property Code 59.046, excess proceeds of sale
• Florida Statutes 83.806, enforcement of storage lien
• Texas Property Code 59.005, damages for violation

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.