Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0213

Introduced
2/7/25  
Refer
2/7/25  
Report Pass
6/12/25  
Engrossed
6/17/25  
Engrossed
6/20/25  

Caption

Amends notice requirements for self-storage facility before perfecting lien, to wit; 7 consecutive days of publication on a publicly accessible website or subsequent written notice to lessee, or publication once time in newspaper of general circulation.

Impact

The legislation has significant implications on state law as it modifies how self-storage property laws function in terms of lien enforcement. The bill stipulates that property cannot be sold for at least sixty days after a default, which extends protections for occupants compared to previous regulations. It also mandates various forms of notification—including personal, mail, or electronic notifications—as well as public notices, enhancing the transparency of the process. This alignment of the law may reflect broader efforts to protect consumer rights while maintaining property owners' ability to reclaim unpaid dues through lien actions.

Summary

S0213 is a legislative act that amends the existing property law pertaining to self-service storage facilities in Rhode Island. Specifically, this bill modifies the notice requirements that must be followed by facility owners before they can enforce a lien on the property stored by occupants. The measure aims to ensure that owners provide adequate notification to occupants about their balances and the consequences of non-payment prior to taking action to sell stored items. Under the new provisions, owners must provide notice to occupants at several intervals, necessitating an increased window of communication and opportunity for occupants to rectify their payment status.

Sentiment

The sentiment around S0213 appears to be cautiously optimistic among some stakeholders who advocate for stronger consumer protections in various forms of property management. Proponents argue that the bill adds necessary safeguards that allow occupants to better understand their obligations and avoid sudden loss of property. However, concerns from some storage facility owners have emerged regarding the potential delay and administrative burden imposed by the new notice requirements, suggesting a mix of support and apprehension towards compliance and operational implications.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding S0213 revolve around the balance of rights and responsibilities between storage facility owners and occupants. While the intention is to provide more leeway to occupants, facility owners argue that the extended notice period could complicate their ability to manage funds and space effectively. The debate highlights the ongoing tension in property law reform between empowering consumers and ensuring business operations can proceed without undue encumbrance. As the discussions progress, these differing views will likely shape the final implementation of the bill's provisions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H7238

Amends notice requirements for self-storage facility before perfecting lien, to wit; 7 consecutive days of publication on a publicly accessible website or subsequent written notice to lessee, or publication once time in newspaper of general circulation.

RI S2450

Amends notice requirements for self-storage facility before perfecting lien, to wit; 7 consecutive days of publication on a publicly accessible website or subsequent written notice to lessee, or publication once time in newspaper of general circulation.

RI H5433

Self-service Storage Facilities

RI S0366

Self-service Storage Facilities

RI S2429

Establishes, as an affirmative defense to the crimes of circulating obscene publications or shows and selling or exhibiting obscene publications to minors, the person’s employment status as an employee of a school, museum, or library.

RI H7575

Establishes, as an affirmative defense to the crimes of circulating obscene publications or shows and selling or exhibiting obscene publications to minors, the person's employment status as an employee of a school, museum, or library.

RI H7222

Permits the municipality to post on a website voter designation of voter registration deadline on the website for ten (10) consecutive days prior to deadline instead of a newspaper.

RI H6324

Obscene And Objectionable Publications And Shows

RI H6066

Obscene And Objectionable Publications And Shows

RI H7380

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.

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