Repo Storage Law Clarification

Summary

In California, repossessed property must be stored for a minimum of 60 days before it can be considered abandoned. Discrepancies in how the 60-day period is calculated can occur, with some repo companies counting the day of repossession as day one. Its crucial to document all interactions and seek legal aid for guidance. Filing a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs can also help address any potential violations.

Full Conversation

C'Leste on California, again lol
Hello C'Leste! It's nice to see you again. How can I assist you with your legal issue today? Could you please provide more details about your situation?
Ok so repo storage 60 day law thing again... It's 60 days minimum, not maximum. How can they throw it away as if it's abandoned property, while I'm on the phone with them!? Why would they rather make $*, vs letting me get it the next day & just charging me more?
Hello C'Leste! Thank you for the details.
In California, the law typically requires the storage of repossessed property for a minimum of 60 days before it can be considered abandoned. However, exceptions can apply based on specific contracts or circumstances.
- Have you checked your contract for any specific terms regarding storage and abandonment?
- Did the repo company provide any written notice about the disposal of your property?
Understanding these details can help clarify your situation.
But how can it be considered abandoned if I'm in the phone with them before the day was over
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration. To provide more precise information:
- Did you receive any written notice from the repo company about the disposal timeline?
- What does your contract say regarding the storage and abandonment of your repossessed property?
This information can help clarify your situation.
No. The info from the repo yard went to the lenders address. I requested a copy of my inventory list several times.
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your concern. In California, the repossession company must provide written notice to the borrower regarding the disposal of any personal property.
- Did the lender forward the notice to you?
- Did you receive any documentation from the lender regarding the repossession and storage terms?
No, as I said I've asked them several times. If I had a copy, I would've known the terms/deadline.
Hi C'Leste,
Thank you for the details. In California, the lender or repossession company must provide written notice regarding the disposal of personal property. Here's what you can do:
- **Request Documentation:** Continue requesting written notice from the lender regarding the disposal and storage terms.
- **Contact the Lender:** Ensure they have your correct address for future notices.
- **Seek Legal Advice:** Consider consulting a local attorney for specific guidance based on your situation.
Would you like information on how to contact a local attorney or legal aid service?
They just sent me an email that my vehicle has been repoed & i gave me the repo co contacted info. To contact them myself. & I did in June & had an appointment, but had to cancel it. All they told me was about their $* cxl fee & they give the address the day you come. I only found out about the 60 days from Google.
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration with the situation. Here are some steps you can take:
- **Contact the Repo Company**: Follow up with them to reschedule your appointment and inquire about the status of your vehicle.
- **Request Written Notice**: Ask the repo company or lender to provide written notice of the repossession and storage terms.
- **Legal Advice**: Consider consulting a local attorney for specific guidance.
Would you like information on how to contact a local attorney or legal aid service in California?
They already threw my stuff away on Friday.
Hi C'Leste,
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Here are some steps you can take:
- **Document Everything**: Keep a record of all communications with the lender and repo company.
- **File a Complaint**: Consider filing a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
- **Legal Advice**: Consult a local attorney for specific guidance.
Would you like information on how to contact a local attorney or legal aid service in California?
But how can I file a complaint if the repo yard was on their right?
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration. In California, you can still file a complaint if you believe the repo company violated your rights. Here's what you can do:
- **Document Everything**: Keep a record of all communications.
- **File a Complaint**: Visit the California Department of Consumer Affairs website to submit your complaint.
Would you like detailed steps on how to file the complaint?
What will that do? Will they get fined or punished? Or just go on a record?
Hi C'Leste,
Filing a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs can lead to several outcomes:
- **Investigation:** They may investigate the repo company.
- **Penalties:** If violations are found, fines or penalties may be imposed.
- **Record:** The complaint will be recorded, potentially affecting the company's future operations.
Would you like detailed steps on how to file the complaint?
How will that help me?
Hi C'Leste,
Filing a complaint can help in a few ways:
- **Accountability:** It holds the repo company accountable for their actions.
- **Potential Compensation:** If violations are found, you might receive compensation.
- **Prevention:** It helps prevent future violations by the company.
Would you like detailed steps on how to file the complaint?
It seems more like it will help people in the future, but not me.
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration. Filing a complaint can indeed help prevent future violations and might lead to compensation if the repo company is found at fault. To address your immediate concern:
- **Document Everything:** Keep all records.
- **Contact an Attorney:** They can provide specific guidance and possibly help recover losses.
Would you like information on how to contact a local attorney or legal aid service in California?
Consumer affairs can provided compensation?
Hi C'Leste,
In California, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) primarily investigates complaints and enforces regulations. They can impose fines or penalties on companies if violations are found. However, direct compensation to consumers is not guaranteed through DCA.
To seek compensation for your losses, consulting a local attorney would be more effective. Would you like information on how to contact a local attorney or legal aid service in California?
No I was on the phone with lawyers for * hrs today. None of them are helpful. They are unable to refuse to answer a simple legal question.
Hello C'Leste,
I'm sorry to hear about your frustrating experience. To better assist you, could you please clarify your current primary concern? Are you looking for compensation, understanding your rights, or something else? Knowing this will help me provide the most relevant information for your situation.
I want my stuff. I could've had a chance to get it today. Even from the trash. I even called the police station & got a voicemail. Now it's too late. Nobody cared to help me while there was still a chance
Hi C'Leste,
I'm really sorry you're going through this. It sounds incredibly frustrating. Here are some steps you might consider:
- **File a Police Report:** Document the situation officially, even if it's late.
- **Small Claims Court:** You might be able to seek compensation for the lost items.
Would you like detailed steps on how to file a police report or information on small claims court in California?
I don't even have $* to my name or toilet paper, thanks to 2 months of lost wages.
Hi C'Leste,
I'm truly sorry to hear about your situation. In California, here are a few options you might consider:
- **Legal Aid Services:** Many organizations provide free legal assistance to those in financial hardship.
- **Small Claims Court:** Filing fees can sometimes be waived based on your financial situation.
Would you like information on how to contact local legal aid services?
But if they didn't do anything wrong. How why take them to court.
Hi C'Leste,
I'm really sorry to hear about your challenging situation. If you're unsure whether the repo company did anything wrong, you might still consider consulting legal aid services to understand your rights and options. They can help clarify if there was any wrongdoing and guide you on the next steps.
Would you like information on how to contact local legal aid services in California?
I spent alllllll weekend online, asking you, etc, I know the codes. *.* & *.*. nobody can confirm. So if there's no set standard, the repo yards can count the way they want. Even you will tell me if they took my car June 25th, 60 days from then would be August *. Correct? But in repo land they count differently, & 60 days was on Friday Aug, 23rd.
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration. In California, Vehicle Code § *.* and Business and Professions Code § *.* regulate repossession practices. The *-day period is generally calculated as * calendar days from the date of repossession:
- **Start Date:** June *
- **End Date:** August *
However, if the 60th day falls on a weekend or holiday, the end date may adjust to the next business day. Repo companies should adhere to these rules, but discrepancies can occur.
Would you like information on how to escalate this issue or contact a local legal aid service for further assistance?
Yes that is correct, but they count the day OF repo as day *, therefore 60 days Does land on Friday Aug 23rd
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration. In California, Vehicle Code § *.* and Business and Professions Code § *.* govern repossession practices. Typically, the *-day period starts the day after repossession. If counted from June *, the 60th day would be August *. Repo companies should follow these rules, but discrepancies can occur.
Would you like information on how to escalate this issue or contact a local legal aid service for further assistance?
That's the problem. & What I believed as well. "Typically" doesn't apply here, & exactly what I was afraid of. I called other repo places & they never heard of that. According to the repo industry, the * Day period starts the day OF repo. You need to update your info, so this doesn't happen to other people in the future.
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration and the confusion surrounding this issue. It seems there's a discrepancy in how the *-day period is calculated. While the law generally states the period starts the day after repossession, industry practices may vary.
To address your immediate concerns:
- **File a Police Report**: Report the disposal of your property.
- **Seek Legal Aid**: Free legal aid services can offer guidance and support.
Would you like details on how to contact legal aid services in California?
But I specifically asked earlier if this was specific & applies to the repo industry, and was told yes.
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration with the conflicting information. Repo laws can indeed be complex. Here's a recap of the pertinent legal points in California:
- **California Vehicle Code § *.*** and **Business and Professions Code § *.*** regulate repossession practices.
- The *-day period generally starts the day after repossession.
- Industry practices may vary, and it's crucial to follow up with written notices and documentation.
To better assist you, would you like detailed steps on filing a police report or further information on contacting legal aid services in California?
Right, so like I originally said. The repo yard can count however they want
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration. While laws like California Vehicle Code § *.* and Business and Professions Code § *.* generally guide repossession practices, discrepancies in industry practices can occur.
To address your current concerns:
- **Filing a Complaint:** Document the discrepancies and file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
- **Seek Legal Aid:** Consult local legal aid services for further assistance.
Would you like detailed steps on how to file a complaint or contact legal aid services in California?
I already had a callback from BSIS /consumer affairs today but I missed it. I'll call again tomorrow
Hello C'Leste,
I understand your frustration and the complexity of your situation. Here are some steps you might consider:
- **Contact BSIS**: Follow up with them regarding your missed callback.
- **Document Everything**: Keep a record of all communications and discrepancies.
- **Seek Legal Aid**: Local legal aid services can provide guidance and support.
Would you like detailed steps on how to document everything or information on contacting legal aid services in California?
But if they are allowed to count how they want - it's within 60 days, what's the point. Except to sue BSIS for being vague & misleading
Hello C'Leste,
I understand your frustration with the inconsistencies and lack of clear guidance. Here are some steps you might consider:
- **Document Everything**: Keep a detailed record of all interactions and communications.
- **Follow Up with BSIS**: Ensure you get clarity on their stance and any potential actions they can take.
- **Seek Legal Aid**: They can help you understand if there are grounds for a lawsuit or other actions.
Would you like detailed steps on how to document everything or more information on contacting legal aid services in California?
The value of my stuff isn't worth it for a lawyer. One told me
Hi C'Leste,
I'm truly sorry you're going through this challenging situation. Given your circumstances, here are some options to consider:
- **Small Claims Court**: You can seek compensation for your lost items without needing a lawyer. Filing fees can be waived based on financial hardship.
- **Legal Aid Services**: They offer free legal assistance and might help you understand your rights and options.
Would you like information on how to file a small claims case or contact legal aid services in California?
There's no sense in justice in fighting a losing case. If the repo didn't break the law then i just look stupid
Hello C'Leste,
I understand your frustration and the complexity of your situation. Here's a quick summary of your options:
- **Document Everything**: Keep detailed records of all interactions and communications.
- **Small Claims Court**: Seek compensation for your lost items without a lawyer. Filing fees can be waived based on your financial situation.
- **Legal Aid Services**: They offer free legal assistance to help clarify your rights and options.
Would you like information on how to file a small claims case or contact legal aid services in California?
I can't get compensation for my lost items if the repo yard was in their right to dispose of them while I was on the phone & claiming it, therefore, not abandoned
Hi C'Leste,
I'm really sorry you're facing this situation. Here's a summary of what you can do:
- **Document Everything**: Keep detailed records of all interactions with the repo company and lender.
- **Follow Up with BSIS**: Clarify their stance on the *-day rule and any actions they can take.
- **Seek Legal Aid**: They can provide free legal advice and clarify if the repo company acted within the law.
Would you like detailed steps on how to contact legal aid services in California?
Ok
Hi C'Leste,
I understand your frustration, and I'm here to help. Here’s a concise summary of your options:
- **Document Everything**: Keep a detailed record of all communications and actions taken.
- **Follow Up with BSIS**: Confirm their interpretation of the *-day rule.
- **Seek Legal Aid**: Consult with free legal aid services for guidance on your rights.
Would you like detailed steps on how to contact legal aid services in California?
You should follow up with BSIS to confirm, so you know whether to keep telling people about "typically the industry standard is the next business day" if that's incorrect or outdated info.
Hi C'Leste,
Thank you for your patience and for providing detailed information. Here’s what you can do next:
- **Document Everything**: Keep a detailed record of all interactions with the repo company and lender.
- **Follow Up with BSIS**: Confirm their interpretation of the *-day rule to clarify any discrepancies.
- **Seek Legal Aid**: They can provide free legal advice and clarify if the repo company acted within the law.
Would you like detailed steps on how to contact legal aid services in California?
I got that. I will. I'm saying you should too. If your goal is to provide accurate info
Hi C'Leste,
Thank you for your suggestion. We aim to provide the most accurate information possible. Here's a summary of your current options:
- **Document Everything**: Keep a detailed record of all interactions with the repo company and lender.
- **Follow Up with BSIS**: Confirm their interpretation of the *-day rule to clarify any discrepancies.
- **Seek Legal Aid**: They can provide free legal advice and clarify if the repo company acted within the law.
Would you like any additional information or assistance on this matter?
Yes, I got the summary * times. Thanks
Hi C'Leste,
I understand that you're frustrated and that the information has been repeated multiple times. Please let me know how I can assist you further. Do you need detailed steps on any specific action, or is there another question you have in mind?
Not frustrated, just letting you know
Thank you for clarifying, C'Leste. I appreciate your patience. If you need any specific information or have any other questions, feel free to ask. I'm here to help in any way I can.
Is there any particular aspect of your situation you'd like more detailed assistance with?