he 2025 legislative sessions have already finished in a few states, but most remain in full swing. As background, the SSA typically seeks several core changes to Self Service Storage Facility Acts in states that have not previously adopted them. Overall, these amendments aim to reduce costs, streamline operations, and limit liability for the operator as outlined below.

The following bills, which were supported by the SSA and our state association partners, have already been signed into law and will take effect soon:

• Idaho – A bill to eliminate the newspaper advertising mandate entirely will take effect on July 1, 2025. Once effective, Idaho storage operators will no longer have an affirmative legal obligation to advertise by any means; however, we do recommend that owners continue to advertise most units online to drive traffic to the sale.
• Maryland – Two bills are still working their way through the process, but we anticipate that both will be signed into law as the legislation is a compromise with the Office of the Maryland Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Starting July 1, 2025, all Maryland operators should be prepared to notify the occupant at least 10 days before the sale of the time, place, and terms of the sale. That notice must be delivered by hand delivery, verified mail, or email. If the owner sends notice by email and does not receive a response or confirmation of delivery at least five days before the sale, the owner must send a second notice of sale by verified mail.
• Tennessee – The legislation provides a process for handling non-monetary defaults, such as a tenant living in the unit, and ensures the enforceability of unsigned rental agreements. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.
• Other Legislation – Numerous other bills that would benefit storage operators remain pending in 19 states. Stay tuned for further developments.

In addition to our efforts to improve the operating climate for storage owners, we have seen an array of negative bills. These have been defeated so far:

• Montana considered a bill that would have required storage owners to mitigate their damages if the occupant vacated the unit before the end of the lease term. It did not pass.
• Virginia considered legislation that would have imposed taxes on self-storage rentals. While it did not pass this session, we anticipate that a similar bill will likely be considered in an upcoming session.

Several bills remain under consideration that would negatively impact self-storage operations. Most significant are measures in California and Connecticut to limit rent increases for tenants.

• Like Virginia, Washington is currently considering a tax on self-storage rentals.
• New Jersey is considering bills that would significantly impair an owner’s right to deny unit access following a catastrophic event and that would prohibit owners from charging certain fees to some low-income consumers.
• Additionally, several bills that would negatively impact the lien enforcement process are under consideration in New York.

The SSA and state associations are engaging on all these harmful bills.

SSA members can review the status of all the legislative initiatives for 2025 on the SSA’s website. Also, we cover these topics in more depth in the Self Storage Legal Review, which is published six times per year.

We will release our annual legislative memo later this year, in which we will outline the key changes that make it over the finish line. In the interim, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions at dbryant@selfstorage.org.