
Quoting
etesianwind
My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: California
I am not sure if this is the right forum, but I'm giving it a shot. My mother has a self-storage unit in California. Unfortunately, she chose the very company whose owner spent nearly $1m opposing Prop. 8, the gay marriage act, stating "it would create a sick society". Something I personally find appalling. Others here may not share my views, but the idea of giving my money to such a low-life sickens me. But, on to the matter at hand.
I just discovered she was two months behind on her self-storage. It was only $124.00 a month. I didn't know this because they failed to send any notifications by mail, or call the correct phone numbers they were given. Rather, they sent her ONE email, 2 months later, to notify her of a lien on the unit. My mother is 70, and cannot even work the back button on the computer, much less check her email. She claimed she couldn't even get in to her email (she changed the password, then couldn't remember it, ugh). On July 26th, I see, by email, they plan to sell the contents of her email. I had no problem paying the back rent - It would've been about $300 - but they said there were late fees - $75.00 (for 2 months) That I understand, as well, it's nutty high, but I guess that may be in the agreement. What I didn't understand, is why they used only ONE method of notification - email!! I could have avoided all of this had I received a notice by mail!! I told them this was the first I'd heard of it. They didn't care.
I tried offering them what I had on hand, $200, with the other $175.00 on August 1st. They refused.
By July 28th it became $500.00. the fees were: $75.00 to create an auction inventory, $50.00 to place an ad for the auction (yup, apparently, one PAYS to have their own items sold off), by July 29th, it was increased to $650.00 for renters insurance??? what was the insurance for, if they planned to auction her items off? By July 31st, the total is $800.00 all of the previous, PLUS, another $125.00 for drilling the lock off (though they have the keys) AND to pay for the auction.
How can I pay $800.00??? This all added up within 4 days!! Is this legal???