Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1359

Introduced
4/29/25  
Refer
4/29/25  
Refer
6/2/25  
Report Pass
6/3/25  
Engrossed
6/3/25  

Caption

Providing for regulation of self-service storage facilities; and making a repeal.

Impact

This bill significantly changes how self-service storage operations are regulated in Pennsylvania. It establishes the legal framework for occupancy rights, responsibilities regarding property stored within these facilities, and the procedures that owners must follow regarding notifications for defaults, sales of contents, and lien enforcement. Most notably, the provisions ensure that owners can only take action after occupants have been in default for a specified duration, thereby providing a layer of tenant protection against wrongful disposals. Furthermore, the new regulations reinforce disclosure requirements relating to late fees and the conditions under which owners may charge such fees.

Summary

House Bill 1359 amends Title 12 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish regulations for self-service storage facilities. The bill aims to address the relationship between owners of self-service storage facilities and the individuals who rent storage space (referred to as occupants). It introduces clear definitions, rules regarding rental agreements, and stipulations on the owner's lien rights to secure and enforce payments for services rendered. Additionally, the updated legislation repeals the previously existing Self-Service Storage Facility Act, consolidating the regulatory framework under the new chapter.

Sentiment

Reactions to HB 1359 have been mixed, with support from facility owners who appreciate the clarity it brings to the regulation of their businesses. They argue that having a uniform set of rules will help streamline operations and reduce conflicts. However, tenant advocacy groups express concern over the potential risks for occupants, particularly regarding their rights when it comes to property disposal procedures and what they perceive as overly lenient rules favoring owners in lien situations. This polarization reflects broader concerns about business interests conflicting with consumer rights.

Contention

Despite the intent to clarify and organize storage facility regulations, some points of contention arise from provisions allowing owners to restrict access after a short period of non-payment (30 days) and the means of notification to occupants. Some argue this could lead to disenfranchisement where tenants might be unaware of their obligations or unable to resolve situations due to miscommunication or inadequate notice. The balance between protecting owners' financial rights and ensuring tenant security remains a contentious topic as debates about the bill unfold.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1648

Providing for right-to-know; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

PA HB74

Repealing the act of July 13, 1953 (P.L.377, No.85), known as the Use and Storage Tax Act.

PA HB2663

Providing for older adults protective services; and making a repeal.

PA HB1080

Providing for adult use cannabis; imposing certain gross receipts tax and excise tax; and making repeals.

PA SB945

Consolidating the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code; and making repeals.

PA HB1762

Consolidating the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code; and making repeals.

PA HB765

Providing for tenant's rights.

PA HB1141

In preliminary provisions, further providing for short title, for declaration of intent and for definitions; in wages and hours, further providing for minimum wages, for piece rates, for employment of minors, for discrimination on account of sex prohibited, for records required and notice to workers, for wage payment and for hours of labor and providing for minimum guaranteed period of employment; in regulations and inspections, further providing for rules and regulations, for inspections and entry, for permit to operate a seasonal farm labor camp, for enforcement orders, for civil remedies and for drinking water and toilet facilities and providing for food service and cooking facilities, for cooperative agreements with Federal and State agencies, for medical services and for posting of information concerning housing; in access and entry, further providing for tenancy rights, for interference prohibited and for privileged persons and providing for privacy rights of tenants; in registration of farm labor contractors, further providing for annual registration required, for qualifications of registrants, for agents exempt from registration and employment agencies, for farm labor contractors and agents and prohibited activities and for Secretary of Labor and Industry and powers and duties; in construction, repeals, penalties and effective date, further providing for criminal penalties and providing for retaliation prohibited, for private right of action and for civil penalties and enforcement orders; and making an editorial change.

PA SB1268

Repealing provisions relating to realty transfer tax; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1642

Further providing for standards for tow truck operators and towing storage facilities.

Similar Bills

GA HB934

Self-service storage facilities; enforcement of unsigned rental agreements under certain circumstances; provide

GA HB131

Self-service storage facilities; revise advertisement requirements before an owner can enforce an owner's lien

GA SB588

Self-service Storage Facilities; advertisement and sale of abandoned property; shorten the time

IL SB3460

SELF-SERVICE STORAGE-DEFAULT

NM SB180

Self-service Storage Rental Changes

NM SB299

Self-storage Lien Sale Advertisements

UT SB0265

Self-service Storage Amendments

VA SB199

Rental agreement; agreement may provide occupant with option to designate an alternative contact.