When The Storage Unit Is Sold
Va. Code 55.1-2902 — 10 days to cure, then a demand of at least 20 days before any auction
In Virginia, the owner of a self-service storage facility has a lien on all personal property stored in each leased space for rent, labor and other charges, and the rental agreement must say so in bold type, along with the fact that the property may be sold to satisfy the lien if the occupant is in default.
Notice, then 10 days. When an occupant is in default, the owner notifies the occupant by regular mail at the last known address, or electronically if the rental agreement expressly provides for it. Only if the default is not cured within 10 days after it occurs may the owner move toward selling the contents at public auction, for cash.
A second notice, and at least 20 days. After 10 days in default and before any sale, the owner sends a further notice by verified mail, or electronically where the agreement allows it. It itemizes the claim, demands payment within a specified time not less than 20 days after the notice, says the contents are subject to the lien, and states conspicuously that they will be sold at a specified time and place unless the claim is paid.
Paying it off. At any time before the auction, the occupant may pay the amount needed to satisfy the lien and redeem the property. While in default, the occupant may be denied access to the space.
After the auction. The owner satisfies the lien from the proceeds and holds any balance for delivery on demand to the occupant or another lienholder. A sale is held at the facility, at the nearest suitable place, or online.
Boats. Where the occupant has been in default for more than 60 days, the owner may have a watercraft towed instead of sold, after notice at least 10 days before the tow date naming the towing company.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionThe facility can auction the unit the moment rent is late | What the law actually doesNotice of default, 10 days to cure, then a further notice demanding payment within at least 20 days |
| The assumptionOnce the auction is scheduled, the belongings are gone | What the law actually doesAt any time before the auction, the occupant may pay what satisfies the lien and redeem the property |
Vehicles in storage, lienholders' notices and an unsigned rental agreement are not all on this page. What a particular situation carries is a question for a licensed Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Va. Code 55.1-2902 — Enforcement of lien
- Va. Code 55.1-2901 — Lien on personal property stored within a leased space
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Virginia attorney.