A lien is a right to hold someone's goods as security for money they owe, and, where the agreement allows, to sell them to recover the debt. In self storage it's the operator's right over what's stored if the fees go unpaid.
At Wigwam
Our terms (clause 6) give us "a general and particular right of lien, which is a right to seize and sell or otherwise dispose of some or all of the Goods as security for Your obligation to make payments under this Agreement." If fees aren't paid when due, the clause allows us to:
- refuse access and overlock the unit "until the Debt has been paid in full" (6(a));
- enter the unit and move the goods, charging reasonable costs (6(b));
- apply your deposit to the debt and, if that isn't enough, hold and ultimately sell or dispose of the goods under clauses 8 to 10 (6(c)).
Before any sale, clause 8 says we "will give You notice in writing directing You to pay", sent "by registered or recorded delivery to the postal address last notified by You to Us in writing" and by email or social media message. Sale proceeds go first to the costs of removal and sale, then to the debt. If there's money left over, clause 9 says: "We will attempt to return the excess funds to you. If this is not reasonably possible, we will hold the balance for You but no interest will be payable on it." Any shortfall you must pay within 7 days of a written demand (clause 9).
Lien vs overlocking
Overlocking is the first step: we fit our own lock so you can't get in, but nothing is sold. The lien is the right behind it that lets us keep the goods and, as the last step, sell them. Paying the debt in full ends the overlock; after a sale, ownership passes to the buyer (clause 6).
The terms don't set a number of missed payments or a time between overlocking and sale. Any sum "not paid when due" can start the process (clause 6), and overlocking can happen "without further notice" (clause 6(a)). The written notice before a sale directs you to pay (clause 8). If you get one, call us on 0800 2545585 straight away. Better still, call as soon as you know a payment will be late, and keep your postal address up to date so the notice reaches you.
Related terms: Overlocking · Late payment fee · Proof of address · Deposit
Related questions: What happens if I pay late or can't afford this month's storage? · How do storage unit auctions work in the UK?