Yes, it's legal. People abandon stuff in storage all the time, and the way that the storage companies get some of the rent back is to auction off the stuff.

My sister and her ex own several storage companies, and she says that one of the biggest problems is people abandoning their stuff.

I don't know how long renters have to be delinquent in NYC, you'd have to check the local laws. But time is NOT on your side here, you need to get down there ASAP and try to work things out.

Probably not after 2 mos., but each state has its own law regarding abandonment and attachment of private prop to satisfy debt. They would have had to try to notify you, but if you didn't update your address, they may claim constructive notice through publication (in the local newspaper) or something lame like that. If they're locally owned, get in touch with the actual owner. If they're a franchise, complain to corporate. Most franchising agreements stipulate a process for dealing with debtors, which I imagine tracks the state law on this issue. Make a big stink with the highest authority you can find, meanwhile BE REALLY NICE to the local folks who might actually help you find your stuff. It's a good rule of thumb-- save your anger and cross words for the folks who've made money off your misery, leave the working stiffs alone and try to ingratiate yourself with them.

YEP. any units that are not up to date on payments can be sold at auction. it is probably somewhere in your paperwork from when you first rented the unit. If you are only 2 months behind, it seems that they jumped the gun a bit in selling so quickly. you should find your contract and see what it says

Yes it is legal. Read your contract.