Bill
Bill > S970
NJ S970
NJ S970Restricts manner in which self-service storage facility owner is permitted to deny occupant access to personal property.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill limits the manner in which an owner of a self-service storage facility may deny an occupant access to the occupant's personal property. Under the bill, an owner is prohibited from denying an occupant access to the occupant's personal property during the times the occupant regularly is entitled to access as set forth in the rental agreement, with two exceptions: (1) if the owner is satisfying a lien on the personal property, pursuant to current law; and (2) if denial of access is due to recommendation or order of law enforcement, fire personnel, or any other government entity; or any other circumstances beyond the control of the owner. The bill provides that if the denial of access is due to the second exception, the owner would be required to restore access to the occupant as soon as is practicable. During the period of time in which access is denied, the owner would be prohibited from destroying, removing, or otherwise disposing of the personal property before the occupant is afforded access to the personal property. The bill further provides that an owner would be required to notify an occupant in writing within seven days of making the determination that the occupant's personal property has been destroyed or otherwise rendered permanently inaccessible due to fire, flood, or other peril; recommendation or order of law enforcement, fire personnel, or any other government entity; or any other circumstances beyond the control of the owner. Under the bill, the notice would be required to be delivered in person or sent by verified mail or electronic mail to the last known address of the occupant.
AI Summary
This bill limits how owners of self-service storage facilities, like storage unit businesses, can prevent renters (occupants) from accessing their belongings. Generally, an owner cannot deny access during the times the renter is normally allowed access according to their rental agreement. However, there are two exceptions: if the owner is legally seizing the property to satisfy a debt owed by the renter (satisfying a lien) or if access is denied because law enforcement, firefighters, or other government officials have ordered it, or due to other unavoidable circumstances beyond the owner's control. If access is denied for these latter reasons, the owner must restore access as soon as possible and cannot destroy or dispose of the renter's property during this period. Furthermore, if the renter's property is destroyed or becomes permanently inaccessible due to events like fire, flood, government orders, or other uncontrollable circumstances, the owner must notify the renter in writing within seven days, either in person or by mail or email, to the renter's last known address.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S970 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/970_I1.HTM |
Loading...