Understanding the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Your Self Storage Rights

At Back Forty Storage, located in Enterprise, Alabama, we proudly serve a strong military community. As a veteran-owned business, we understand the unique challenges servicemembers face when duty calls. One important protection for military families renting storage is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).

What is the SCRA?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (50 U.S.C. §§ 3901–4043) is a federal law designed to protect active-duty military members and, in some cases, their dependents. It helps ensure that servicemembers can focus on their duties without worrying about certain legal or financial issues back home.

How the SCRA Protects Military Storage Rentals

If you’re serving on active duty and fall behind on your self storage payments, the SCRA provides an extra layer of protection:

1. No Auctions Without a Court Order
   
• Normally, storage facilities can auction a tenant’s belongings if rent goes unpaid.
• Under the SCRA, your storage unit cannot be sold or auctioned without a court order while you’re on active duty.
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3. Coverage for Different Branches
   
• The law covers active-duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
• National Guard and Reserve members called to active duty for more than 30 days are also protected.
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5. Lease Flexibility
   
• In some cases, servicemembers can end a storage lease early without penalty if they receive deployment or permanent change of station (PCS) orders. Many storage companies, including Back Forty Storage, honor this flexibility to support military families.
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7. Dependents’ Rights
   
• Certain protections extend to military dependents, ensuring families are safeguarded while their loved ones serve.
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Why This Matters at Back Forty Storage

As a veteran-owned facility, we not only comply with the law but also respect and support those who serve. Before any lien or auction process, we carefully verify military status through the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). We also work directly with our military tenants to provide flexible and fair options when service obligations change suddenly.

Final Thoughts

The SCRA ensures that servicemembers’ belongings are protected while they serve our country. At Back Forty Storage, we’re proud to provide safe, secure storage solutions for military families in Enterprise, Fort Novosel, and the surrounding Wiregrass area.

If you’re an active-duty servicemember in need of storage, know that your property and your rights are protected with us.