AB 983 Summary

• Allows self-service storage facility owners to tow vehicles, watercraft, or trailers from premises after 60 days of unpaid rent and required notice has been sent, with at least 10 days advance notice to the occupant by first-class mail with certificate of mailing.

• Towing company must comply with Vehicle Code Section 12520 and remove property in accordance with Vehicle Code Section 22658, with the owner not liable for the property or damage once the towing company takes possession.

• Revises the declaration in opposition to lien sale form to require occupants to provide a current physical address and telephone number, making the declaration void if the owner cannot contact or serve the occupant at that address.

• Specifies that liens on registered vehicles or vessels are enforced under Civil Code Section 3071 (vehicles) or Harbors and Navigation Code Section 503 (vessels), not under the standard self-service storage facility lien procedures.

• Limits charges included in liens on vehicles, watercraft, or trailers to those accruing within 60 days after the lien attaches and before application for lien sale authorization.