Oregon Storage Unit Laws: What Operators And Tenants Must Know

You unlock your Oregon storage unit only to find it empty. Everything you left behind has been sold after months of unpaid rent. Or you might be the facility owner, standing at the crossroads of law and fairness, wondering when it becomes legal to auction off abandoned property.

Oregon’s storage rules, found in Chapter 87 of the Oregon Revised Statutes, set the foundation for how liens, notices, and sales must occur. The 2025 update through Senate Bill 433 modernized these procedures to reflect digital business practices, including changes to online notifications and Oregon newspaper advertising thresholds for public sales.

This guide explores how Oregon storage unit laws protect both tenants and operators by defining lien rights, notice requirements, and opportunities to reclaim personal property before a sale takes place.

Overview of Oregon Self-Storage Law

Oregon’s self storage rules are built on Chapter 87 of the Oregon Revised Statutes, which outlines when a lien is created and how facility owners can collect unpaid rent or other agreed charges. In simple terms, if rent or service fees remain unpaid, the owner may place a lien on the personal property stored inside the unit and later recover reasonable expenses incurred through a sale or other disposition.

A self-service storage facility is different from a warehouse. Here, the occupant rents a specified storage space and keeps full control of everything stored inside. The facility owner only holds a security interest in the property if payment stops. That means you can store furniture, business equipment, or even a motor vehicle, but responsibility for the property remains with you until the rent is paid.

Oregon law applies equally to individuals and businesses renting storage space. A contractor who leaves tools in a unit and a family keeping seasonal furniture both fall under the same protections and obligations. When payment is missed, the owner may act to secure payment, but must follow every step required by law before any public sale is held.

The 2025 update through Senate Bill 433 brought the first major modernization in decades. It introduced more flexible ways to send notices, updated Oregon’s newspaper advertising threshold for public notices, and reduced unnecessary costs. Notices can now appear online or in suitable places with general circulation for two consecutive weeks before a sale, helping both operators and tenants stay informed.

While Oregon’s storage unit laws align closely with the Self Storage Association and the National Self Storage Association standards, the state still maintains stronger notice and publication rules than nearby states such as Washington. This balance keeps Oregon’s system transparent, fair, and protective of everyone involved.

Core Lien Framework under ORS 87.687

1. How and When the Lien Attaches

When a tenant rents a storage space in Oregon, the agreement does more than just reserve a spot for their belongings. It also establishes a legal safeguard for the facility owner if rent goes unpaid.

The moment personal property is placed inside the unit and payment becomes due, Oregon’s possessory lien automatically attaches. This lien ensures that the owner has a lawful claim to recover what is owed through proper notice and sale procedures.

Under ORS 87.687, the lien covers several types of financial obligations, including:

• Unpaid rent and late fees are connected to the storage space rented.
• Reasonable or agreed charges related to preserving or repairing the stored materials.
• Advertising, labor, and sale proceeds are used to cover reasonable expenses incurred during enforcement.

The lien created under this section takes priority over other liens that may arise later, though any lien perfected prior to the rental agreement continues to hold superior priority. This ensures that property subject to the lien is handled fairly among all interested parties.

This structure protects both sides of the agreement. Tenants are aware that unpaid charges can lead to legal claims against their property, while owners have a defined process to secure payment through a public sale or other disposition conducted in good faith. The result is a transparent, lawful system that balances financial protection with fairness.

2. Why This Matters for Tenants and Operators

Every Oregon storage agreement carries built-in consequences when payments lapse. Once a lien attaches, both tenants and operators face specific rights and responsibilities that determine what happens next.

For tenants, nonpayment can trigger restricted access to the storage space and eventual sale of their belongings. The property stored inside becomes subject to the lien until all rent, agreed charges, and reasonable expenses incurred are paid.

If payment is not made, the owner may proceed with a public sale held in good faith after proper notices and advertisements are published in a newspaper of general circulation for two consecutive weeks.

For operators, the lien is more than just protection; it is a financial safeguard. It secures payment rights without requiring a court judgment, as long as every statutory step outlined in ORS 87.687 is followed accurately.

Tenant Default and Enforcement Process (ORS 87.689)

1. Establishing Default

A tenant is considered in default when rent remains unpaid for 30 days beyond the due date. Once this 30-day period passes, the owner may take enforcement action under Oregon’s storage unit laws.

At this stage, the owner can deny the tenant access to the storage space rented and must issue a written notice of default. This notice is sent to the tenant’s last known street address or electronically if the tenant agreed to receive digital communication at the time of signing the rental agreement.

This written notice marks the beginning of the lien enforcement process and outlines the amount due, the property subject to the lien, and the steps required to restore access or avoid further action under Oregon law.

2. Required Default Notice Contents

Once a tenant is declared in default, Oregon law requires the facility owner to issue a written notice that meets specific content and delivery standards.

The purpose of this notice is to inform the tenant about the debt, the consequences of continued nonpayment, and the available opportunity to resolve the issue before a sale or other disposition takes place.

The notice must include:

• The total amount owed and the date the default occurred.
• A payment deadline that gives the tenant at least fourteen days after the notice is mailed to make a full payment.
• A clear statement explaining that the personal property stored in the unit will be sold if payment is not received by the stated deadline.

This notice must be mailed to the tenant’s last known street address as listed in the rental agreement or sent electronically if prior consent was given. If the notice is returned or marked undeliverable, the owner should retain it as proof that notice was properly attempted in good faith.

3. Tenant Redemption Rights

Even after a default notice is sent, Oregon law gives tenants a final opportunity to reclaim their property before it is sold. This is known as the right of redemption.

If the tenant pays all outstanding rent, agreed charges, and reasonable expenses incurred before the scheduled sale date, the lien process must stop immediately. Once full payment is received, the owner must promptly reinstate access to the storage space and return control of the property to the tenant.

Failing to honor this redemption right can expose the facility owner to legal liability and may invalidate the sale. It is important to note that the redemption right ends the moment the public sale begins, not after the sale proceeds are distributed. This rule ensures fairness and finality for both parties while maintaining compliance with Oregon storage unit laws.

Auction and Sale Procedures (ORS 87.691)

1. Sale Preparation

Once the fourteen-day grace period has passed and the default notice has been properly delivered, the facility owner may move forward with a commercially reasonable sale of the property subject to the lien. This step must comply fully with Oregon’s storage unit laws to ensure the process remains lawful and transparent.

Before scheduling the public sale, operators should confirm that every statutory timeline has been met. This includes:

• Establishing a default after 30 days of nonpayment.
• Sending the written notice of default to the tenant’s last known street address or email, if consented to.
• Allowing at least fourteen days after mailing for the tenant to redeem the property.

It is essential that facility owners maintain thorough documentation for each step in this sequence, from default to notice to waiting period to sale. These records demonstrate good faith compliance and protect operators in the event of a dispute regarding lien enforcement or sale validity.

2. Sale Method and Standards

Under Oregon law, once the lien process reaches the sale stage, the owner may choose either a public or private sale, including an online auction. The key requirement is that the sale must be commercially reasonable, meaning it should be conducted in a way that is likely to produce a fair market value for the property being sold.

A public sale held under this section must take place at a suitable place close to where the property is located and must comply with all notice and advertising requirements. This ensures transparency and fairness to both the tenant and the facility owner.

If the stored property has little or no market value, the law allows the owner to bypass a formal auction. When the property’s commercial value is minimal, the owner may dispose of the items responsibly, keeping documentation to show that the decision was made in good faith and according to the standards of a commercially reasonable sale.

3. Distribution of Proceeds

After the sale is completed, Oregon’s storage unit laws require a specific order for how the proceeds must be applied. This sequence ensures fairness and transparency while protecting both the tenant and the facility owner.

First, the owner applies the funds to the storage lien, which includes any unpaid rent, late fees, or other agreed-upon charges. Next, the amount covers reasonable expenses incurred during the sale, such as advertising or labor costs. Whatever remains becomes the surplus, which must be held for the tenant for at least one year.

For example, if a public sale earns $1,200 and the tenant owes $800 in rent and $100 in related sale expenses, the remaining $300 must be set aside for the tenant. If it goes unclaimed after one year, that balance must be turned over to the Oregon Department of State Lands, Unclaimed Property Division.

This process ensures that every dollar from the sale proceeds is handled in good faith and according to Oregon law, preserving accountability for all parties involved.

4. Verifying Military Status Before Auction (SCRA Compliance)

Before any lien sale can take place, Oregon storage operators must verify whether the tenant is an active duty servicemember protected under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, outlined in 50 U.S.C. section 3931. This step is a federal requirement designed to prevent the unlawful sale of property belonging to servicemembers.

Selling a servicemember’s belongings without court approval violates federal law and can lead to reversal of the sale, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Storage operators must complete verification in good faith before conducting any public sale or other disposition of property subject to the lien.

The most reliable way to confirm military status is through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service (SCRACVS). This document provides verified proof that the tenant is not on active duty and protects facility owners from potential SCRA violations.

A five-minute verification through SCRACVS can prevent costly legal issues, protect your business, and ensure every sale remains fully compliant with federal and Oregon storage unit laws.

Advertising and Notice Updates (Senate Bill 433 – 2025 Reforms)

1. Publication Threshold Increase

Oregon’s 2025 storage law update, through Senate Bill 433, introduced major improvements to the way lien sales are advertised. One of the most impactful reforms involves the Oregon newspaper advertising threshold, which determines when a public notice must be published in print.

Under previous rules, any lien sale exceeding 300$ required publication in a newspaper of general circulation. Senate Bill 433 raises that amount to one thousand dollars, easing the financial burden on storage operators handling lower-value claims. This adjustment helps facilities avoid unnecessary advertising costs while still ensuring that significant lien sales receive proper public notice.

For properties valued under 1000$, facility owners may now use digital or online postings in suitable places closest to where the property is located. These notices must remain accessible for two consecutive weeks before the public sale is held, maintaining transparency while reflecting modern communication practices.

The new publication threshold and digital notice option will officially take effect on January 1, 2026. This transition period allows self-service storage facilities across Oregon to update their internal policies and align procedures with the revised advertising requirements.

2. Online Publication Rules

Senate Bill 433 also formalized how digital auction notices should appear when a facility chooses online publication instead of print advertising. These updates make the process more efficient while maintaining public accessibility and compliance with Oregon storage unit laws.

Any online notice must be publicly accessible and contain clear identifying details so that potential bidders can verify the sale’s authenticity. Each listing must include:

• The name and street address of the self-service storage facility.
• The tenant’s first name and last initial are used to protect privacy.
• A general description of the personal property or materials stored in the unit.
• The scheduled sale date and a link to the online bidding platform if the auction is conducted digitally.

Following these standards helps ensure the sale remains commercially reasonable and transparent. Facility owners are encouraged to review guidance from the Self Storage Association (SSA) and the National Self Storage Association for recognized online platforms and best practices under the updated law.

3. Policy Intent and Industry Impact

The main purpose of Senate Bill 433 is to modernize Oregon’s self storage laws, which had not been updated since the 1990s. The reform recognizes the rise of digital platforms and the widespread use of online auction services in the self service storage industry.

By allowing online publication for lower value lien sales, the law reduces unnecessary administrative steps while keeping the process transparent and accessible to the public.

The Self Storage Association reports that facilities could save between thirty and forty percent in administrative expenses under this new rule. These savings come from reduced advertising costs and fewer manual processes related to print publication. For operators, this means more efficient lien enforcement and lower reasonable expenses incurred during the sale or other disposition of property subject to the lien.

Overall, the reform aligns Oregon with national storage association standards, modernizes its procedures for property subject to a lien or security interest, and ensures that both occupants and owners benefit from a simpler, more cost-effective system that reflects today’s business environment.

Compliance Responsibilities for Storage Operators

Oregon’s self-service storage facility laws give operators significant authority when enforcing liens, but they also impose strict responsibilities. Each step in the process must follow the law precisely to ensure fairness, maintain good faith, and avoid penalties.

The checklist below outlines the key compliance actions required under Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 87 and Senate Bill 433.

1. Use Written Rental Agreements
   • Include clear lien disclosures in bold or capitalized text explaining that personal property stored is subject to the lien if rent remains unpaid.
2. Track Rent and Defaults
   • Monitor due dates and document timelines showing when rent became overdue and when the tenant entered default.
3. Send Written Default Notices
   • Issue the notice immediately after thirty days of nonpayment and mail it to the tenant’s last known street address or email, if authorized.
4. Keep Proof of Notice
   • Retain mailing receipts, returned letters, and electronic delivery confirmations as evidence that notice was attempted in good faith.
5. Observe the Waiting Period
   • Allow at least fourteen days after mailing the notice before scheduling a public sale or other disposition of property.
6. Follow Publication Rules
   • Publish or post auction notices according to Senate Bill 433’s updated thresholds, using newspaper or online listings depending on property value.
7. Store Property Responsibly
   • Keep the property in a suitable place until the sale, ensuring it remains protected from damage or loss.
8. Handle Sale Proceeds Properly
   • Apply funds first to the lien, then to reasonable expenses incurred, and retain surplus proceeds for one year before sending unclaimed funds to the Oregon Department of State Lands.
9. Verify Military Status
   • Before conducting any sale, confirm whether the tenant is an active duty servicemember by obtaining an Affidavit of Non-Military Service through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service (SCRACVS).

Following this checklist helps operators comply with Oregon storage unit laws, maintain professional standards, and protect their business from liability under both state and federal regulations.

Stay Compliant with Oregon’s Updated Storage Laws

Oregon’s 2025 updates through Senate Bill 433 brought long-awaited improvements to storage lien enforcement. The reforms simplified advertising, allowed verified online publication, and reduced unnecessary administrative costs. Yet even with these efficiencies, the core legal responsibilities for storage operators have not changed.

Facility owners must still document every step, provide clear written notices, store property responsibly, and respect redemption rights. Most importantly, they must confirm whether a tenant is serving on active duty before moving forward with any public sale.

Skipping this verification could lead to federal penalties and reversal of the sale under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

Staying compliant is about diligence, not speed. A few minutes spent confirming tenant status can prevent expensive mistakes and preserve trust with both customers and regulators. Before enforcing any lien, complete an official verification through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Centralized Verification Service (SCRACVS). It is a simple safeguard that ensures every sale is lawful, fair, and fully compliant.