When The Storage Unit Is Sold

In California, if the sum due is not paid by the termination date in the preliminary lien notice, the lien attaches and the owner may deny access, enter the space, and move the property to safekeeping. The owner then sends a notice of lien sale.

• §Bus. & Prof. Code 21705

• That the right to use the space has ended and the occupant no longer has access.
• That the property is subject to a lien, its current amount, and that it will keep growing if rent is not paid.
• That the property will be sold after a date not less than 14 days from mailing the notice, unless the occupant returns a declaration in opposition to lien sale by certified mail.
• That the occupant may regain full use of the space by paying the full lien amount before that date.

• §Bus. & Prof. Code 21705

The notice also says that any excess proceeds over the lien and costs of sale are held by the owner and may be reclaimed for one year from the sale, after which they go to the county. The declaration form itself warns that it is void if the owner cannot reach the occupant at the physical address and telephone number written on it. What happens after a declaration in opposition is in the chapter and is not reproduced here. Whether a sale was lawful is a question for a court and for a licensed California attorney.

• §Bus. & Prof. Code 21705