Storage unit theft, by owner?

Question

Okay. my mother has/had a storage unit, and was behind some money on it. (maybe like 2 or three months payments)

And we went past it yesterday and everything in it was gone!

The owner NEVER contacted us in anyway and we cannot get a hold of him because hes in Europe.

And all the things we had in there were all family things (like pictures ect.) so it's all un-replaceable

Does anyone know of the laws for storage units?

Because it's pretty much theft right?

Please help.

Answer 1

It's a civil issue. It's not theft because your mother was behind on her rent.

Because she was not paying her rent, but her items were still being stored, he took those items in lieu of moneys owed.

I'm assuming that there is something within the contract stating this.

Answer 2

I think you should contact the police department and sue the company and owner...

Answer 3

She probably had a contract with the company.  I would get the contract and see what it says about being behind on the payments.  I would assume that the owners have a right to remove the contents if the payments are behind.  They certainly cannot stay in business without people keeping their accounts up to date.  They could be renting the unit out to someone who pays them.

Answer 4

I think if you are 30 days behind they are allow to remove and auction your stuff off tot hte highest bidder...,I would see if it is possible to get a copy of the contract im sure on the contract it would say what the terms and confitions are rent the unit