Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2042 (HB 2042) on April 18, which will allow self-storage operators in the state to have stored vehicles and watercraft towed if tenants are in default for more than 60 days. The measure was supported by the national Self Storage Association (SSA). It’ll go into effect on July 1, according to an April 24 email newsletter to SSA members.

Though storage operators can enforce a property lien once delinquency reaches 45 days, vehicles, trailers and watercraft may not be towed until a tenant is in default for more than 60 days. Tenant-notification procedures for towing are the same as pursuing a lien, according to the measure.

One unusual stipulation is that Kansas law permits towing of vehicles only if there is a local city or county measure that authorizes the practice. “Kansas owners must review the local ordinances in the city or county where they operate to confirm that towing is lawful,” SSA officials said. “Notably, the requirement for a local city or county ordinance or resolution does not apply to the towing of trailers and watercraft.”

HB 2042 passed the senate on March 23, with a 38-0 vote, and cleared the house 123-0 on April 5.

Sources:
SSA Magazine Weekly 4/24/23, SSA-Backed Kansas Law Will Allow Operators to Tow Property
Kansas Legislature, HB 2042