Self-service storage facilities: lien sales.
With AB 542's approval, the advertising requirements for lien sales will shift, streamlining the process for self-service storage facility owners. By permitting online advertisements that remain posted for at least seven days, the bill seeks to enhance visibility and accessibility for potential buyers. The removal of the requirement for a general description of the goods will simplify advertising processes, allowing owners more discretion in how they promote sales, which could lead to faster liquidation of unclaimed property.
Assembly Bill No. 542, authored by Juan Carrillo, amends the California Self-Service Storage Facility Act by updating the requirements for advertising lien sales of stored property. The bill modifies the current law that mandates advertisements to be published once per week for two consecutive weeks in a local newspaper of general circulation to instead allow publication in a newspaper and additionally on a relevant internet website that regularly conducts or advertises online auctions. This update aims to increase the options for facility owners in notifying the public about storage auctions, a relevant issue for areas lacking local newspapers.
General sentiment around AB 542 appears to be supportive, particularly from stakeholders in the self-storage industry who argue that the changes will modernize and improve the sales process. However, concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of online notice as a replacement for print media, especially in less digitally literate demographics or rural areas that may not have reliable internet access.
The most notable point of contention revolves around the implications of allowing advertisements on the internet without a printed equivalent in certain regions. Critics worry that this move could disenfranchise individuals who depend on print publications for information about local sales. Additionally, the removal of mandatory descriptions of goods could lead to less transparency in the sales process, potentially resulting in disputes or confusion regarding what items are auctioned.