Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

This is not a debt collection question.

First, why is an auction occurring? Have you not paid your storage fees?

And why would an owner of a storage lot be cutting the lock on your storage unit prior to an auction?

Your post leaves out a whole lot of information. When you rented the unit, you undoubtedly got a contract. Start reading it or at least the clause about a default caused by your failure to pay rent. What does it say about what a storage facility owner can do?

Have you reviewed the Self-Storage law in PA? An owner is allowed to access your unit without your consent under certain circumstances. 73 P.S. � 1903(a). Access

(a) General rule.--Upon the reasonable request of the owner, the occupant shall provide access to the owner to enter the leased space for the purposes of inspection, repair, alteration, improvement or to supply necessary or agreed services. In case of emergency, the owner may enter the leased space for any of the above stated purposes without notice to or consent from the occupant.

Also, where you are in default, the owner can enter. 73 P.S. � 1905. Enforcement of lien.

(a) Default.--No enforcement action shall be taken by the owner until the occupant has been in default continuously for a period of 30 days.

(b) Rights of owner.--After the occupant has been in default continuously for a period of 30 days, the owner shall have the right to deny the occupant's access to the leased space. The owner may also enter and remove the personal property from the leased space to another suitable storage space pending its sale or other disposition.

Read the other provisions of the law - they govern what notice has to be given by the owner to you. If there is indeed a violation, you may be able to sue, but of course, the owner can counterclaim for unpaid storage.

However, you should discuss this with a local attorney who practices consumer law and allow him/her to review your contract.