The proposed bill amends Title 12 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by introducing a new chapter, Chapter 56, which specifically regulates self-service storage facilities. This chapter includes provisions that define key terms, outline the rights and responsibilities of both owners and occupants, and prohibit the use of these facilities for residential purposes. It establishes the owner's lien on personal property stored in these facilities, details the process for enforcing that lien, and sets requirements for notifying occupants of defaults and potential sales of their stored property. Additionally, the bill allows owners to charge reasonable late fees and outlines conditions under which they can deny access to occupants or remove their property.

Furthermore, the bill repeals the previous Self-Service Storage Facility Act from 1982, ensuring that all ongoing activities and agreements under that act remain valid and enforceable under the new chapter. It clarifies the care, custody, and control of stored property, emphasizing the occupant's responsibility for their belongings unless specified otherwise in the rental agreement. The legislation also addresses the handling of excess proceeds from sales, stating that any unclaimed balance after six months will be treated as abandoned property and reported to the State Treasurer. Overall, this bill aims to modernize the legal framework surrounding self-storage facilities in Pennsylvania while protecting the rights of both owners and occupants, with the act set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1527 (Apr 29, 2025): P.L.1404, No.325