HB343 Summary

• Repeals the existing Self-Service Storage Act and replaces it with the Self-Service Storage Facilities Act, creating Article 2A (Sections 8-15-40 to 8-15-49) in Chapter 15, Title 8, Code of Alabama 1975.

• Grants storage facility operators a lien on occupants' personal property for unpaid rent, late fees, labor, and preservation/sale expenses, with the lien superior to other liens except tax liens.

• Requires operators to provide occupants at least 20 days' notice before conducting a lien sale and mandates newspaper advertisement at least 7 days before sale; sales must be conducted in a commercially reasonable manner.

• Establishes a monthly late fee cap of $20 or 20 percent of monthly rent, whichever is greater, and permits operators to deny access to storage space and remove property to other storage pending sale upon default of more than 30 days.

• Takes effect October 1, 2020, and applies to all rental agreements entered into, extended, or renewed after that date.