Storage units are great, but they're not free. If you miss payments, you can expect some repercussions. Missed payments aren't always intentional; sometimes life happens, and you forget about it, or a major event takes up most of your funds. What happens then? Do you get to keep your stuff at the storage units without paying?
Storage Company Will Try To Reach Out
Not all companies offering storage units will reach out to the clients if they miss payments. However, some companies will attempt to contact you and remind you to make payments. It would cost more time and resources to auction off your belongings than to have you continue making payments.
The facility will try as much as possible to reach out, but they can only do so much. If you change your home address, move states, and change contact information without updating them, there is nothing more they can do.
The Facility Will Follow the Lease Terms
Check your lease terms and conditions as they specify what happens if you miss payments. Your lease will have all the information you need, including the maximum number of days you can miss payments. Typically, most storage unit facilities will allow for some days before they take action.
Can You Renegotiate?
The facility manager is human, just like you; therefore, if you have a genuine reason for non-payment for your storage units, be sure to talk to the manager. The facility manager might be lenient and understanding or allow you to take away your belongings before you go into default.
Storage facilities are businesses like any other, and the letters, calls, or emails shouldn't scare you into inaction. Communicate your situation to the facility manager, and you might be surprised to hear that they can agree to a payment plan.
Auction
If all options fail, the facility can choose to auction your storage units. However, before it gets to this point, the facility will try to contact you and remind you of your obligations. And, if you choose to ignore the letters, calls, or emails, you'll have a few days before the facility goes to auction.
Once the facility auctions your storage units, they'll publicize them in newspapers or even flyers. Since you're in default, it's unlikely that you're welcome to the auction. The facility will auction off your units to recover the rent areas, and you can claim the rest.
Missing payments is quite common; thus, you shouldn't be afraid to communicate your problem to the storage facility.
Share3 December 2021
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