Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Business & Financial Services Committee |
HB 2305
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning the handling of certain personal property in a self-service storage facility.
Sponsors: Representatives Ryu, Vick and Zeiger.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/12/16
Staff: David Rubenstein (786-7153).
Background:
Self-storage facilities, in which a building or property owner rents space to a person for storage of goods, are governed by Washington law. Renters, known as "occupants," are obligated to pay rent for the space, usually monthly. When renting a space, the occupant must be given an opportunity to provide the address of another person to whom lien and sale notices may be sent.
Liens and Sale of Property for Unpaid Rent.
When rent or other charges are unpaid for 14 days, the storage facility owner has the right to terminate the rental or lease agreement and place a lien on the personal property stored in the unit. The owner must notify the renter of the amount due and that a lien may be placed on the stored property if the amount due remains unpaid for another 14 days or more. If the outstanding balance remains unpaid, the owner must notify the renter that the stored property will be sold or disposed of on a date at least 14 days later, but not less than 42 days after the date rent was first past due.
Boats and Motor Vehicles.
Renters of a self-service storage space may store motor vehicles and boats at the facility. If the occupant defaults on rent for storage of such vehicles for more than 60 days, the storage facility owner is entitled to have the vehicle or boat towed or removed from the property in lieu of sale. In that case, the owner must notify the renter of the contact information for the towing company. The owner is not liable for damage resulting from the towing.
Summary of Bill:
A storage facility owner may tow or remove any vehicle, watercraft, trailer, recreational vehicle, or camper in lieu of sale. The owner must provide the same notice as was previously applicable to motor vehicles and boats.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.