The bill amends Section 34-42-4 of the General Laws concerning the enforcement of an owner's lien at self-service storage facilities. It establishes a clear timeline for the sale of personal property to satisfy the lien, specifying that the sale cannot occur until at least sixty (60) days after the occupant's default and fifteen (15) days after the final publication of the sale notice.

The bill requires that if the owner is unable to obtain personal service of the second notice, or if the certified mail return receipt is not signed, the owner must provide notice by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in the city or town where the occupant was last known to reside. The advertisement of the sale may be published on a publicly accessible website identified in the rental agreement or in a subsequent notice sent to the occupant's last known address. In lieu of an advertisement on a publicly accessible website, the sale may also be published once in a local newspaper. The advertisement must include the name of the person on whose account the property is being stored, as well as the time and place of the sale.

The bill clarifies that the sale shall take place no sooner than sixty (60) days after the occupant's default and fifteen (15) days after the final publication required. It also includes provisions regarding the owner's ability to buy the property at the sale and ensures that a good faith purchaser will take the property free of any prior claims. Additionally, the bill provides protections for the owner against liability for identity theft related to the contents of the storage space and allows for the towing of titled vehicles without liability. Overall, the act aims to provide a more structured process for lien enforcement while ensuring that occupants are adequately informed of their rights and obligations.

Statutes affected:
213: 34-42-4
213  SUB A: 34-42-4