Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

STORAGE OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS
© 1991-2003 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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What happens to my property if I can't remove it from my apartment before I am evicted by the Marshal or the Sheriff?

        Your landlord may put your things in storage. If he decides to store your belongings, he must do it according to the "truth-in-storage" act.

If my landlord stores my property, how can I find out where it is being stored?

        The storage company will mail a statement to your last known address telling you where your property is stored. Go to the Post Office and fill out a change of address card for your new address or temporary location. If you do not, you may not get the statement from the storage company. Also, your ex-landlord must tell you where your property is held.

How soon will the storage company notify me after accepting my belongings?

        The storage company will notify you by registered or certified mail within 3 days after your goods are stored. Remember, the notice will be sent to your last known address.

How will I know what has been put in the storage facility?

        The storage company will list and describe each item accepted from your ex-landlord for storage. This is called an inventory. The inventory will include written comments from your ex-landlord and a storage company employee noting the condition of each item before it is placed in storage.

How much will this cost me?

        The statement from the storage company will include a reasonable estimate of the monthly storage charge. This charge will not include the cost of moving your goods from your former apartment to the warehouse. The statement may include a list of other charges (besides the estimated storage fees).

What happens if my property is lost or damaged while in storage?

        The storage company may be responsible. The storage company will tell you if there are limits on what it is responsible for when it sends you the inventory. The storage company will also inform you that you can purchase additional insurance.

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