HB 1344 -- SELF-SERVICE STORAGE FACILITIES

SPONSOR:  Rizzo

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Commerce
by a vote of 26 to 1.

This bill authorizes operators of self-storage facilities to
impose reasonable late fees for each month an occupant does not
pay rent when due, as long as the late fee is specified in the
rental agreement.  A reasonable late fee is defined as the
greater of $20 or 20% of the monthly rental amount.  An operator
who wishes to establish a late fee that is higher than that
defined in the bill has the burden of proof that the higher late
fee is reasonable.  The bill also permits operators to recover
all reasonable rent collection and lien enforcement expenses
from the occupant.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill provides additional
protections for both consumers and owners of self-service
storage facilities.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Rizzo; and Missouri
Self-Service Storage Association.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Debra Cheshier, Senior Legislative Analyst

HB 1344 -- Self-Service Storage Facilities

Sponsor:  Rizzo

This bill authorizes operators of self-storage facilities to
impose reasonable late fees for each month an occupant does not
pay rent when due, as long as the late fee is specified in the
rental agreement.  A reasonable late fee is defined as the
greater of $20 or 20% of the monthly rental amount.  An operator
who wishes to establish a late fee that is higher than that
defined in the bill has the burden of proof that the higher late
fee is reasonable.  The bill also permits operators to recover
all reasonable rent collection and lien enforcement expenses
from the occupant.