Q: A storage facility general manager internally removed me from my storage unit which I've been paying for over a year. He
listed me as "moved out" even though I have been paying my monthly fees and all of my things were supposed to be stored in there. Upon checking my unit just now, I found out my lock was cut off and my belongings were removed without any notification to me. They also moved in a new customer several months ago to the same unit they took me out of after removing all of my belongings, unbeknownst to me. The manager and staff are acting like they don't know what’s happened. There are several cameras at the facility, however security does not seem to be up to par. I'm just discovering the robbery. What can I do to recuperate my stolen property and bring attention to this facility's criminal activity? It appears there are other customers that have suffered similar situations at this facility which is part of a very well known national company, after doing some online research.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (909) 235-6420
- View Profile
- Answered
A: Start by gathering all relevant evidence, such as payment records, a list of missing items, and communication with the storage facility. Draft a demand letter to the storage facility management requesting the return of your belongings. Report the theft to the police. You may consider exploring your legal options, like suing for breach of contract, conversion, negligence, or unfair business practices.
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
It sounds like you’re dealing with a very difficult and frustrating situation. The first thing you should do is document everything thoroughly. Take pictures of the storage unit, any evidence of your lock being cut, and keep records of all payments you’ve made. Gather any communication with the storage facility, including receipts, contracts, or emails that show your active rental agreement and payments.
Next, report the incident to law enforcement. File a police report about the theft and unauthorized removal of your belongings. Share any information you have, such as the facility's history of similar complaints or the presence of cameras that might have captured what happened. Be clear and detailed, as this can help in any legal actions you decide to take.
You should also contact the storage facility’s corporate office, if applicable, to report the misconduct. Demand an investigation and compensation for your loss. You might also want to explore taking legal action against the facility for breach of contract and negligence. Consider reaching out to other affected customers to strengthen your case and bring more attention to this issue.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.
