How do I sue storage company if the contents of my unit was sold?

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How do I sue storage company if the contents of my unit was sold?

I had a storage unit that I fell behind on payments for about 2 months. I was notified by the storage company about the past due amount by email. I contacted them to see if I could set up payment arrangements or something to at least get some understanding due to me losing my job recently. They told me that the very last day I had to make the payment before the unit was to be sold. I called in a week later to make the payment, about 2 weeks before that final date was re-scheduled. I was told that my payment was declined due to my unit being sold the day before. I immediately called the location of the storage company and asked what was going on and why was my unit sold 2 weeks before that date that was given. I was told it sold yesterday morning and it was authorized by their bosses due to past due payments. They also said that the date they gave me was the same in the system but it changed. So then I asked then why wasn’t I notified or contacted. They said they called my mother’s number but didn’t leave a message. I want to sue for misconduct and for the worth of my belongings on my unit. What can I do? I lost everything.

Asked on March 27, 2019 under Business Law, Washington

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

You file a lawsuit against them for breach of contract (violating the agreement about how they will handle past-due payments and selling unit contents) and conversion (a form of theft; converting belongings entrusted to them to their own benefit). You would sue for the economic value of your belongings (you can't sue for emotional or sentimental value) as it was on the day it was sold. If the value is at or under the limit for small claims court, you are strongly encouraged to sue in small claims: it much simpler procedurally for a nonlawyer, and faster, too. You can get instructions and sample forms from the court, in person or online.


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