Bill
HSB 184
Deemed acceptance of self-storage terms after 30 days if not signed, with a 15-day removal window, required notices, office-hour access limits, and liens on remaining property.
Status and Context
- Introduced: February 17, 2025
- Current status: Committee report approved; renumbered as HF 640
- Origin: House, Commerce Committee actions
- Subject: Self-storage/rental property; acceptances and defaults of rental agreements
Overview
HSB 184, later renumbered HF 640, sets forth how possession, acceptance of terms, and default procedures work for self-storage facilities. The bill clarifies when a written rental agreement is deemed accepted, outlines notice and access requirements for tenants in default or whose agreements are not renewed, and establishes lien rights for the removal and handling of stored personal property. It also makes immediate default and access limitations applicable to occupants using a leased space for residential purposes.
Key Provisions
- Implied acceptance of rental terms
- If a person takes possession of a self-storage space, receives a written rental agreement, but does not execute and deliver the written agreement within 30 days, the person is deemed to have accepted the terms of the written rental agreement.
- Default and non-renewal procedures
- If the occupant is in default or the operator does not renew the rental agreement, the operator must deliver a written notice (or an email notice if parties have consented under Code section 578A.5(5)).
- The notice requires the occupant to remove personal property from the leased space within 15 days.
- Access during the removal period
- During the 15-day removal window, the operator may deny or limit the occupant’s access to the leased space to the hours the facility’s office is open, if the rental agreement provides for such access limits.
- Lien and disposition of property
- Any remaining personal property after the 15-day period is subject to lien rights as described in Code sections 578A.5 and 578A.7.
- Immediate default for residential use
- If the occupant uses the storage space for residential purposes, they are immediately in default. The operator may limit access during office hours and must proceed consistent with the applicable Code chapter.
Who Is Affected
- Self-storage facility operators: Gain clarified rights to deemed acceptance, notice requirements, access limits during removal periods, and lien rights.
- Tenants/occupants of self-storage: Subject to the deemed-acceptance rule, removal timelines, potential access limitations, and lien processes.
- Individuals using storage space for residential purposes: Face immediate default and heightened access limitations.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Acceptance: 30-day window to execute and deliver the written rental agreement; failure results in deemed acceptance.
- Default/removal: 15-day removal period after notice.
- Notices: Written notice required; email notices allowed if consented per Code 578A.5(5).
- Access: Access may be limited to office-hours during the 15-day removal window if provided in the rental agreement.
- Property disposition: Remaining property may be liened under Code 578A.5 and 578A.7.
Legislative History (highlights)
- Subcommittee: February 17, 2025 (members Thomson, C.; Blom; Wilson)
- Subcommittee hearing: February 20, 2025
- Subcommittee recommendation: February 20, 2025 (passage)
- Committee action: February 25–28, 2025
- Recommendation: Amendment and passage
- February 28: Committee report approving bill and renumbering to HF 640
Notes
- The bill references and aligns with Code sections 578A.5(5) and 578A.7 for notices and lien procedures.
Impact snapshot
The measure modernizes and standardizes procedures for self-storage enforcement, reduces disputes over whether terms were accepted, and provides a clear framework for removing or handling occupants’ property during defaults, with specific timelines and notice methods. It also tightens rules for residential use of storage space.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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