Your state self-storage act specifies each step that must be followed to sell the property of a delinquent tenant. The time to categorize a delinquent tenant as being in default is usually defined within the state’s self-storage act. The answer depends on the language in your state self-storage act. In some cases, it begins after the lien notice is sent; in others, it begins after receipt. Additional Advice: Follow Formal ProceduresThe best self-storage lien sale is the one that doesn’t happen, but if you must go to auction, do it right.