Albuquerque, NM asked in Consumer Law and Contracts for New Mexico

Q: Can I get reimbursed for items stolen out of my storage unit?

I was notified via text message from owner of storage facility a week after the break in occurred. The storage facility has only one camera at the gate, also has inadequate fence around facility. There is no security guards, or dogs on premises. I'm currently homeless therefore I have been storing pretty much everything I own there I don't have renters insurance. Is there anything I can do legally? Thank you p.s. I learned from the police officer when filing the police report that the break in occurred a week ago or more

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: You may have legal options to pursue reimbursement for the items stolen from your storage unit. Review your rental agreement with the storage facility to understand the terms regarding security and liability for theft. If the facility's security measures were inadequate or negligent, you might have a claim against them.

However, the facility's liability may be limited under the contract, and typically, storage facilities do not assume liability for stolen items unless you purchased insurance through them. You should also report the theft to the police, if you haven't already, and get a copy of the police report. Consult with an attorney to assess the specifics of your situation and to determine the best course of action. Time is of the essence, as there may be time limits to take legal action.

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.