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SB 844

Charitable organizations; creating the Safeguarding Endowment Gifts Act; prohibiting certain use of funds by charitable organizations under certain circumstances. Effective date.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Christi Gillespie and 1 co-sponsor

Self-service storage operators must give at least 10 days’ notice of a lien sale with clear time/place/terms by hand delivery, verified mail, or email, with a backup verified mail

Coauthored by Representative Hasenbeck (principal House author)
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Bill Summary · SB 844

Summary — SB 844 (Chapter 211, 2025)

Maryland Self‑Service Storage Act — Sale of Personal Property in Satisfaction of Lien — Notice Requirements

Status: Approved by the Governor (Chapter 211). Effective date: July 1, 2025.
Primary sponsors/authors: Senators Hershey and Lam (Senate version); crossfiled with companion HB(s).

Purpose / Intent

SB 844 tightens and clarifies notice procedures that operators of self‑service storage facilities must follow before conducting lien sales of occupants’ stored personal property. The aim is to improve notification and reduce the risk that occupants lose property without adequate, verifiable notice.

Key provisions

  • Adds an express requirement that, subject to limited exceptions, at least 10 days before a lien sale the operator must notify the occupant of the time, place, and terms of the sale by one of these methods to the occupant’s last known address:
    • Hand delivery; or
    • Verified mail; or
    • Electronic mail (email).
  • If the operator uses email to notify the occupant of the sale and does not receive a response or a confirmation of delivery at least 5 days before the scheduled sale, the operator must promptly send a second notice of sale by verified mail to the occupant’s last known postal address.
  • Preserves existing conditions on electronic notice: email notice is authorized only where the rental agreement (or a written amendment) contains a bolded statement allowing email notice and the occupant initials next to that statement.
  • Leaves intact other existing statutory requirements:
    • An occupant who is in default for more than 60 days may have property sold at public sale; proceeds first satisfy the lien and any surplus is handled per statute.
    • The initial notice of default must state the lien, charges due, and provide at least 14 days from mailing for payment to avoid sale.
    • Operators must advertise the sale at least 3 days beforehand (newspaper, email, or website as permitted).
    • Sales must be held at the facility (an online auction site can be treated as meeting that requirement).

Who is affected

  • Self‑service storage facility operators (owners, managers, agents) in Maryland: additional procedural obligations when conducting lien sales.
  • Occupants (renters) of storage units: enhanced, clearer notice opportunities before property is sold.
  • Small businesses operating storage facilities: minimal compliance costs (mailing, recordkeeping); Fiscal Note finds minimal effect on small businesses.

Fiscal and procedural notes

  • Fiscal impact: The Department of Legislative Services estimates no material effect on State or local finances; small, minimal costs for affected businesses.
  • Effective date: July 1, 2025.
  • The bill amends Article — Commercial Law, §18‑504(b) and (d) of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

Practical effect

Operators must document and, where relying on email, monitor for occupant response or delivery confirmation. If email notice does not generate timely confirmation/response, a verified‑mail backup notice is required, reducing the likelihood of failed notice and post‑sale disputes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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