HB 979 Maryland House of Delegates · 2025 Regular Session

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

HB 979 modifies Maryland's Self-Service Storage Act to strengthen notice requirements before storage facilities sell renters' stored items to cover unpaid fees. It requires operators to provide detailed written notices (via hand delivery, verified mail, or email with prior consent) at least 10 days before a sale, including specific charges due, a 14-day payment window, and sale details. Renters who haven't paid fees for over 60 days are directly affected, as operators must now follow these strict notification steps before selling their property. The bill also mandates 3 days of public advertising for sales through local newspapers, email, or online platforms. These changes aim to ensure renters receive clear, timely information before their belongings are sold.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
Apr 2025
Introduced Jan 31, 2025 Signed Apr 22, 2025
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What changed between versions

First - Maryland Self-Service Storage Act - Sale of Personal Property in Satisfaction of Lien - Notice Requirements Third - Maryland Self-Service Storage Act - Sale of Personal Property in Satisfaction of Lien - Notice Requirements · 5 edits
MODERATE
This bill adds procedural requirements for self-storage operators to notify tenants before selling stored property. It clarifies that electronic mail notices require explicit consent in the rental agreement and mandates a backup verified mail notice if the email fails. The bill also adds a second notice requirement for sales if the initial email notice goes unanswered.
REQUIREMENT

Added requirement that electronic mail notices for default must be authorized by the tenant's initials in the rental agreement

Added requirement for operators to send a second verified mail notice if the initial email notice for default is not confirmed

Added requirement for operators to send a second verified mail notice for sale notices if the initial email notice is not confirmed 5 days before the sale

TIMELINE

Added specific 5-day confirmation window for email sale notices before requiring backup mail notice

TECHNICAL

Added formatting explanation indicating underlining shows amendments to the bill

Floor votes · Senate Mar 15, 2025 · House of Delegates Feb 27, 2025

How they voted

450
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 46
Mar 15, 2025
D Democratic33
32 Yea 1
96% Yea
R Republican13
13 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
15
Key actions
10
Committee
6
Apr 22, 2025
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 210
executive
Apr 2, 2025
Lower · Passed
Returned Passed
lower
Apr 2, 2025
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Mar 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable Adopted
upper
Mar 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Favorable Report by Finance
upper
Mar 15, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (45-0-1)
senate
Mar 7, 2025
Committee
Referred Finance
upper
Mar 6, 2025
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Mar 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
lower
Mar 3, 2025
Lower · Passed
Favorable Report by Economic Matters
lower
Feb 27, 2025
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (131-0-8)
house of delegates
Jan 31, 2025
Committee
First Reading Economic Matters
lower
6 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors