Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Governor signs Conklin bill to protect self-storage businesses

Governor signs Conklin bill to protect self-storage businesses

Act 51 will give them stronger enforcement power over defaulting customers

Rep. Scott Conklin    April 7, 2026 | 1:47 PM

HARRISBURG, April 7 – Pennsylvania’s self-storage facility owners now have more power to protect their business, thanks to legislation introduced by state Rep. Scott Conklin and signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro.

At a ceremonial bill signing today in the governor’s office, Conklin said that Act 51 of 2025 will help solve a persistent problem that plagues many of the state’s small self-storage businesses. 

“One of the best ways we can support our small businesses is by making sure they have the tools to help themselves,” said Conklin, who is majority chairman of the state House Commerce Committee. “In the case of small self-storage facilities, that includes making sure these business owners have the enforcement power they need to deal with defaulting customers.

“Self-storage facility owners often face a costly problem when a defaulting customer fails to sign or pay their rental agreement. With no timeframe in place to enforce the unsigned or unpaid agreement, the owner’s hands are tied as the unit sits occupied and unrentable, draining income and causing financial hardship.

“The new law solves the problem by allowing for the electronic delivery of a rental agreement. This makes the agreement enforceable against the occupant within 30 days of the document’s delivery – the same as if it had been signed. If the occupant fails to sign or pay the agreement, the owner can restrict or deny access and take other enforcement actions, including removing the property.”

Act 51 amends Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) to codify the Self-Service Storage Facility Act in Title 12 and make amendments. Under the new law, if the unit occupant fails to sign the rental agreement within 30 days, the occupant’s rent payment or continued use of the leased space will be considered acceptance of the rental agreement and will be enforced. An occupant will have 14 days after delivery of notice to remove their personal property.

The bill passed the Pennsylvania House in June and the state Senate in November with large, bipartisan majorities in both chambers.