RSLA for Storers
Storage companies—whether operating vehicle impound yards, warehousing facilities, or commercial storage units—are frequently left holding goods or vehicles when customers fail to pay. In Ontario, the Repair and Storage Liens Act (RSLA) gives you legal tools to recover unpaid storage fees and lawfully dispose of unclaimed property.
If you’ve taken possession of goods for storage, the RSLA allows you to assert a lien over those goods, meaning you can legally retain possession until payment is made—and in many cases, proceed to sell the goods or vehicle at public auction to recover your losses.
These rights are powerful, but time-sensitive. Strict procedures must be followed for notices, searches, and service. That’s where we come in.
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At Haider Khan Legal P.C., we act for self-storage facilities, vehicle impound yards, and commercial warehouse operators across Ontario to protect and enforce their rights under the RSLA.
1. Lien Registration & Enforcement
Advice on Registration and Enforcement
Drafting and serving of Notices of Intention to all interested parties to either sell, retain or dispose of equipment in their possession.
Registration of non-possessory liens.
2. Storage Disputes and Abandoned Property
Determining your right to retain possession
Advising on reasonable storage rates and lien timelines
Assisting with unclaimed goods or abandoned vehicles
Responding to demands by third parties (e.g., finance companies or police)
3. Priority Disputes and Court Assistance
Advising on priority of claims against secured creditors
Resolving disputes with owners or lienholders
Bringing court applications when judicial approval is needed (e.g., disputes over ownership, sale proceeds, or statutory compliance)
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Storage companies commonly need RSLA remedies in the following cases:
A vehicle or trailer is towed to your yard and never claimed, accruing significant storage fees
A customer defaults on their storage unit lease and leaves behind goods of unknown value
An insurer fails to collect a vehicle stored post-accident, and refuses to pay long-term storage charges
A repossessed item is stored, but neither the debtor nor lender pays
A corporate client abandons inventory or commercial equipment without settling their account
Why Choose Haider Khan Legal?
We know the financial and operational burden that unpaid storage imposes on your business. Our firm helps storage providers take swift and lawful action to enforce their liens, avoid liability, and recover losses.
Fast, efficient RSLA lien registrations
End-to-end handling of sales, notices, and service
Knowledgable about vehicle and commercial goods storage across Ontario
Contact us today for a consultation. Let’s help you recover what you’re owed and free up your storage space—legally and efficiently.
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