Delaware Legislature Approves SSA-Backed Storage Act Update

Governor Matt Meyer signed SSA-backed SB 151 into law on July 30. The new law, effective immediately, embraces the digital age by allowing storage rental agreements to be delivered and signed electronically, while also clarifying that agreements remain binding if customers use a unit and pay rent for more than 30 days—even without a signature. Operators also gained clearer authority to handle defaults, including the ability to tow vehicles, boats, and trailers after 60 days of nonpayment.

At the same time, lawmakers added consumer safeguards. Under a House amendment, storage deals can no longer be made verbally—they must be in writing—and renters must be given 35 days’ notice before major actions like termination or auction take place. Facility owners are also required to clearly communicate any usage restrictions up front. The law brings Delaware in line with neighboring states by allowing auction notices to be posted on widely used online platforms, signaling a shift toward modernization.