Self-Storage Units

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a self-storage unit?

A self-storage unit is an individual space you rent from a self-storage facility to store personal property. A garage or storage area at a private residence is not considered a self-storage unit.

What should I know before renting a unit?

• It is against the law to use a storage unit as a place to live.
• Keep a copy of your rental agreement and all receipts in a location other than the storage unit.
• Keep an itemized list of the personal property being stored at the facility and take photographs of the property.
• Maintain renters insurance on the personal property kept in the storage facility.
• Notify the self-storage facility in writing of any change of address or alternate contact information. The facility may send you notices that are time sensitive and it is your responsibility to kept the facility updated.

What happens if my property is damaged or stolen?

The facility may or may not be liable for the loss or theft of personal property, depending on the terms of the rental agreement. If you purchased insurance, you should call the insurance company for information on how to file a claim. You should also consider filing a police report.

What if I can't pay the rental fee or other charges?

• If you're more than 10 days late, you can be denied access to the storage unit.
• If you’re more than 14 days late, you may receive a notice of lien, which begins the process of allowing the owner to sell your property.
• The owner must send the notice by certified mail or by email to the address on file and any alternate address.
• If you're unable to pay the amount due by the date specified in the notice, the owner can deny you access to your unit. The owner can also enter the unit and move your personal property to safe place.

What if I still can't pay or dispute the amount?

The owner must send you a "Notice of Sale" by certified mail or email at least 14 days before selling your property. The owner must also include a "Declaration of Opposition." You can either pay the entire amount owed or send the Declaration of Opposition, by certified mail, to the facility owner.

How does the sale work?

The owner must advertise the sale at least one time in the week immediately preceding the date of the sale in a local newspaper. The advertisement must include your name, the storage unit number, and the name and address of the storage facility. The owner must conduct the sale in a commercially reasonable manner. If the owner received more than the amount of the lien and costs, it must make that money available to you for up to one year.

Can I stop the sale if I dispute the amount of the lien?

Yes, but you must send the Declaration of Opposition to the facility by certified mail. Make sure you keep your certified mail receipt and tracking number. It must be signed under penalty of perjury and include the following:

• The date, your name, address, and signature
• The location of the personal property
• A statement that you received the Notice of Sale
• A statement explaining that you oppose the sale of your property
• A statement explaining that you understand that any claim you want to bring in court disputing the validity of the lien must be filed within 21 days after the owner receives the declaration in opposition. If you file a complaint in court within 21 days, you will receive a hearing.

If your Declaration of Opposition is not received before the sale date, the owner may sell your personal property. Additionally, if you don't file your complaint with the court within 21 days, the owner may sell your property.

What happens after the hearing?

If the owner receives a judgment for the lien, the owner may sell your property. The sale must be advertised at least one time in the week immediately prior to the sale. Before the sale, if the amount of the lien plus the expenses incurred by the owner of the storage unit are paid in full, the sale can't go forward.

What if I never received any notices before the sale?

You could file a lawsuit and ask for the value of the personal property that was sold. You may not ask the person who purchased the property at the sale for the return of the property, even if the owner did not follow all the requirements of the law.

Where can I learn more about storage unit laws?

See Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 108, sections 473-4783.

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