Damage to furniture in storage?

A friend of mine has had about $20,000 worth of furniture in heated and supervised storage for 7 years at about $180 a month. She decided to have it all picked up and delivered to her new home...but the movers called to say the furniture is in terrible condition -- rat damage to the soft goods (sofas, chairs, etc.) and wood all chewed by animals. She doesn't want to give it house room now and thinks it should just go to the dump.

What is the responsibility of the storage company in matters like this? Does anyone have any first hand experience?

Brian

She needs to read her contract. My guess is they aren't responsible. Homeowners insurance may cover it.

-David

Wow, this is not exactly the answer you're looking for but that's an awful lot of money that your friend spent to store the furniture -- unless they had sentimental value.

$180 x 84 months = $15,120 in storage fees for $20k worth of furniture (and that's if the furniture is even worth that much after 7 years...)

If the storage company or insurance company did pay out, I would guess reimbursement may be based on the fair market value.

As suggested by Icarus, have your friend check the agreement!