An apparatus and method for controlling stored jobs, in a system of networked MFPs, includes an MFP with a printer for printing stored jobs. A storage device is connected to the printer for storing jobs. A user interface device is connected to the MFP with a printer for selecting job storage options wherein one of the options includes a job retention expiration date. Job retention expiration dates are individualized or selected from a default expiration selection group including 30, 60, 90, 180 days and never. Additionally, the user interface device further includes a date tracker connected to the network for keeping track of the current date. In a further aspect of the invention, the user interface device includes notices to the user of job retention expiration dates as occurring and automatic deletion of retained jobs on the selected expiration date.