In the United States, self storage facilities may hold storage auctions or lien sales to vacate non-paying tenants according to their enforcement rights that are outlined within the lien law of each state or applicable jurisdiction. These lien auctions are open to the general public, which most bidders buying for the purpose of reselling for profit.
Often the management of the storage facility will host the auction open to the public. However, the tenant in lien has the right to pay their outstanding bill until the moment the auction begins and thus reclaim his/her items. Once the auction for a unit starts, generally the door to the unit is opened and potential bidders are allowed to view the contents by looking in from the doorway; they may not step inside. No items can be touched or moved until after the auction. The spaces are usually sold “as is “. The purchaser of a unit receives everything in it and is responsible for removing the contents within a given time frame, usually a day or two. In some jurisdictions, the storage facility is responsible for the contents of the unit until the auction is closed, and thus may confiscate controlled items (such as firearms) if they are immediately visible.
In the fall of 2010, two television programs featuring storage auctions, Storage Wars and Auction Hunters, were released, which helped increase the visibility and interest of storage auctions. This became an explosive trend, and the increased interest in auctions has become logistically problematic for some storage facility operators.
StoreRight Self Storage uses one of the largest auction service companies “Storage Protection Auction Services ” to conduct our lien sales. They have been in business for over 20 years. They are a full service storage auction company, with 8 licensed and experienced auctioneers.
Their auctions are conducted in accordance with the Florida Self Storage Facility Act.
For auctions dates you can visit www.auctionstorage.com
