UCC Document Community

Real estate security agreements often cover both fixtures and personal property in one document, but you need different filing strategies for each type of collateral. Don't assume one filing covers everything.

For warehouse deals like yours, I typically see fixture filings for HVAC and electrical systems, regular UCC-1s for removable equipment, and mortgage coverage for structural improvements. The security agreement covers all of it but each needs appropriate perfection.

Quick update - I filed the new UCC-1 this morning and it was accepted within a few hours. Used the exact legal name from the Articles of Incorporation and updated collateral descriptions. Now just waiting on the search results to confirm no intervening filings. Thanks everyone for the advice, especially about the name matching requirements.

Just want to add that it's worth implementing a systematic tracking process going forward to prevent this from happening again. I manage UCC filings across multiple states and found that creating a master spreadsheet with automated email alerts has been a lifesaver. Include columns for filing date, expiration date, state, debtor name, and collateral value - then set up calendar reminders at 12 months, 6 months, and 3 months before expiration. The peace of mind is worth the initial setup time, especially when you're dealing with high-value collateral like your $180k equipment.

Thanks everyone for the help! Sounds like Ohio is definitely the right choice. Going to pull their corporate docs tomorrow and get this filed. Appreciate all the advice about double-checking that debtor name - definitely don't want to deal with a rejection.

One thing I'd add - make sure to check if the debtor has any registered office changes or amendments filed after their original incorporation. Sometimes companies move their principal place of business but don't update their registered office, which can affect which state you need to file in. Ohio's SOS website has a pretty good search function where you can look up the entity and see all their current filings. Also worth noting that Ohio charges $40 for electronic UCC-1 filings, so factor that into your costs. Good luck with your first filing!

UPDATE: Fixed it! The issue was the period in 'Inc.' like someone mentioned earlier, plus I was using the wrong amendment type. Selected 'Amendment - Add Collateral' instead of just 'Amendment' and it went through immediately. Thanks everyone for the help - definitely learned to double-check those tiny details.

This thread is a perfect example of why UCC filings can be so frustrating for newcomers! I'm dealing with my first UCC amendment in Delaware and now I'm worried about running into similar issues. The fact that a single period or selecting the wrong amendment type can derail everything is kind of scary. Really appreciate everyone sharing their troubleshooting tips - definitely going to do a UCC search first to verify the exact formatting before I submit anything. Also bookmarking that Certana.ai tool several people mentioned since it sounds like it could save a lot of headaches.

One more thing - once you get this cleared up, consider working with your attorney to send cease and desist letters to anyone you suspect might be involved. Even if you can't prove who did it, sometimes a legal warning prevents future incidents.

This is absolutely infuriating but unfortunately becoming more common. I'd also recommend checking if your state has a UCC information request form that lets you get details about who actually submitted the filing - sometimes there are electronic signatures or IP addresses that can help identify the perpetrator. Also, when you call the Secretary of State, ask specifically about their "disputed filing" or "correction" procedures rather than just general fraud complaints - some states have faster tracks for these situations. The $180K loan delay is brutal, but most lenders will work with you if you can show active resolution efforts and a clear timeline from the SOS office.