Bill > SB660

This bill amends the Virginia Self-Service Storage Act to establish a process for self-service storage facility owners to dispose of personal property left behind by occupants after a rental agreement has ended, provided the occupant's noncompliance was not due to financial obligations. Specifically, if an occupant leaves items in a leased space or on the facility's property after their rental agreement terminates or is not renewed, the owner can consider the property abandoned. Before disposing of it, the owner must send written notice to the occupant's last known address, informing them of the termination date and stating that the property will be disposed of 10 days after the notice is given. During this 10-day period, the occupant has the right to retrieve their belongings, and the owner is not liable for any loss of this property. If the owner fails to allow reasonable access for removal, the occupant can seek legal relief. Any proceeds from selling abandoned property must first be applied to amounts owed by the occupant to the owner, including costs associated with the sale, with any remaining funds returned to the occupant. This new process does not apply if the occupant's default was due to failing to pay rent or meet other financial obligations, in which case existing laws regarding the sale of stored property or other legal remedies will be used. The bill also clarifies that an occupant's last known address can be updated according to methods specified in the rental agreement.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB660