all worldly goods damaged in self-storage unit

[dazbear]

Hi there

Just after some legal advice about a particularly upsetting situation relating to my inlaws.

While undertaking major building work at their home, they put their entire worldly goods into self-storage for 12 months. When signing the contract, they opted for the most basic insurance covering their goods up to £2,500. They felt that even this was a waste of money as they assumed that the law would protect them as the company was taking payment to look after their goods.

They did not return to the unit until after the building work was complete (ie 12 months later). When they did open the unit they found all of their worldly goods ruined by mice - eating and defecating over their stuff. The majority of items are beyond repair.

The owners of the self-storage company admitted that other units had also been affected by the mice. However, the insurance adjusters have said that as they only took out basic insurance they will only compensate up to the £2,500 limit.

Surely as the company has taken payment for looking after their goods they are liable for any damage?

Any advice?

[Guest]

Re: all worldly goods damaged in self-storage unit

What do the terms and conditions of the agreement state with regard to liability for loss or damage to goods while they are being stored?

Irrespective of any insurance policy, the owners of the storage facility will have a duty of care to ensure that goods stored with them are not damaged through their own negligence and any term that seeks to exclude liability may be unfair.

[dazbear]

Re: all worldly goods damaged in self-storage unit

The T&C basically say the company has no responsibility for any loss or damage.

As you say, I thought such blanket disclaimers wouldnt hold up in court.

[middenmess]

Re: all worldly goods damaged in self-storage unit

They felt that even this was a waste of money as they assumed that the law would protect them as the company was taking payment to look after their goods.

AFAIK The Self Storage Company were taking payment for the rental of a unit not for looking after your goods.The insurances offered usually excludes damage by vermin.

Negligence is probably the only viable course to pursue but might well be nigh on impossible to prove.

[reputable and professional] self storage units usually have a considerable number of rodent traps placed about their buildings which are regularly inspected and baited.

It would be unlikely that if rodents were present in your in-laws unit that it would go unnoticed by the staff of the storage company especially as you say other units were affected.

But

the T & C's of SS companies are usually pretty comprehensive and always include a warning about storing certain goods including any and all foodstuffs and it's likely that they will suggest that your inlaws or one of the other units had foodstuffs stored there.

[Gane46]

I have my own question regarding storage container. We put all our belongings into storage. Just after Xmas went into the container to find condensation dripping everywhere, soaking clothes , books and furniture. I was told they are not liable for damage. Went onto say that all other containers didn’t have this problem. Is this an admission of a faulty container, and would they then become liable for all damages caused.