Recent Answers to Self Storage Law Questions
Can a storage facility terminate my lease agreement without notice?
Self Storage
Storage Lease Agreement
Ohio
I recently rented a storage unit at a facility and signed a lease agreement for a specific duration. However, the storage facility unexpectedly terminated my lease agreement and demanded that I remove my belongings immediately, without providing any prior notice or explanation. I am now concerned about my rights as a tenant and whether the storage facility had the legal authority to terminate the lease agreement without any notice.
Gary S.
Hello. Thank you for the opportunity to respond. In Ohio, a storage unit facility cannot terminate the lease without providing prior notice unless certain conditions are met and the Ohio statutes are followed. Ultimately, the termination provisions found in the lease agreement will govern. Most lease agreements are month-to-month and require written notice to terminate - typically 10-30 days, depending on the terms of the lease. Under Ohio law, the storage unit facility can deny access or move toward termination without full notice only if the tenant is in default on the lease agreement, such as failure to pay rent or violation of the lease terms. In those cases, the facility may deny access, send a notice of default and intent to enforce a lien on the tenant's property, and eventually sell the contents after at least 10 days' notice as an attempt to collect the unpaid balance. But even in these instances, the storage facility is required to give the tenant notice and a reasonable timeline to respond and cure the default. If you feel the storage unit facility has not complied with these requirements, there are legal steps you can take, such as having a lawyer review and send a demand letter (an inexpensive and generally effective option) and even file in small claims court. Disclaimer: This response is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by this communication. Seek legal advice regarding your specific situation.