When storage renters don’t pay their rent auctions happen. In the state of Pennsylvania, the lien law allows self storage operators to place a lien on the contents of a unit once the rent has become a full 30 days past due. Harrisburg Self Storage and Stop and Store York have auctions many times each year.
We give reminders, warnings and notices to each late paying renter and we advertise the auction. Renters are able and encouraged to stop the process at any time by making payment – even in the hours before the auctions starts. The auction is cancelled and the over-lock is removed.
How are auctions conducted? They are open to the public but our staff and their immediate families cannot bid. The auctioneer opens the unit and gives people time to stand at the door and visually examine the contents – they can’t enter the unit or touch any item.
The auctioneer will begin the sale with a minimum bid. Attendees are bidding on all the contents inside the unit, not individual items. When auctioneer feels the price won’t go any higher he awards the sale to the highest bidder. Payment has to be in cash within the hour.
Does the storage facility make a profit? We never profit. Sale prices only rarely exceed what is owed. However, when bids are very high, we take what we are owed and the excess is sent to the renter. If we cannot locate the tenant to refund the proceeds, we send the proceeds to the unclaimed property division of the Pennsylvania state government. Stop and Store York and Harrisburg Self Storage only retain the original debt of the tenant.
Keep in mind that storage facilities never want to auction the contents of a unit. If you have a problem which leaves you short to pay then talk to us. Come by or call us and arrange some payment terms to avoid an auction sale.
