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So, there’s a car in your apartment complex – and you need to have it towed! a
Perhaps in this situation, you have no idea of your rights, or even how to go about this. Never fear! Having a car towed can be a simple process, and we’re here to help.
Getting a car towed from your apartment complex may be necessary for a variety of different reasons, including the following:
No matter your reason for needing to have a car towed, it’s important you follow the procedures correctly to ensure you are complying with your property management’s rules, addressing the situation efficiently, and avoiding any legal troubles that may arise after the fact!
The following blog provides a step-by-step guide to having a car towed and covers two situations in detail: how to have SOMEONE ELSE’S car towed, and how to have YOUR OWN car towed.
Let’s get into it!
If someone else’s car is parked inappropriately in or around your apartment complex, it’s important to collaborate with your property manager to resolve the issue.
It’s also important to gain an understanding of the apartment complex’s parking rules and regulations, your own obligations and rights, and any relevant legalities specific to your state.
In this situation, it’s important to thoroughly read over your lease agreement. In particular, you’ll want to clarify the rules of parking in and around your apartment complex.
Your lease agreement will likely provide information about where residents and guests can park, and what happens if these rules are not followed.
Check your own obligations, as well as the obligations of other residents or neighbors!
Being informed will ensure you have a good understanding of the apartment complex’s rules and procedures, in the case of dispute or legal troubles that follow.
Remember: laws relating to parking and towing on private property vary by location.
Your lease agreement should outline the laws that apply to you/your state and may include additional rules set out by the property manager.
Next, contact your property manager or landlord as soon as possible to inform them of the situation.
In some cases, it may be the landlord’s responsibility rather than your own to have the situation resolved (and to get the car towed).
Explain why you think the car should be towed, as well as your plan of action.
Provide as much detail as possible, such as the vehicle’s registration plate number, the vehicle’s make and model, the exact location of the vehicle, and how long it has been there (including photo or video evidence).
Your property manager may be able to identify and contact the vehicle owner!
There are two ways to proceed from here:
Research the towing laws and regulations that are specific to your state and area.
There is no nationwide law regarding the legalities of towing a vehicle, but there are certain federal guidelines and regulations that vary by state.
Understanding local regulations will ensure you can comply with towing procedures properly, and avoid any legal issues.
If your property manager is in agreement to having the car towed, it is likely they will arrange the towing themselves or refer you to a company.
If not, you’ll need to find a towing company in your area. You can contact us or a quick Google search can identify viable options.
Compare different companies in terms of cost, promptness, location, and reliability; you migh want to read some reviews as well!
Contact the towing company, explain your situation, and ask for their assistance.
Make sure to provide all the relevant details, including the vehicle’s license registration number, the vehicle’s make and model, the exact location of the vehicle and how long it has been there, as well as anything else that may be needed.
You will also need to provide your apartment complex address, and may be asked to photograph and send photos of the car.
Once you have arranged to have the car towed, make sure the towing company can access your apartment complex and get to the car!
If your apartment complex is gated or access is restricted, you may need to coordinate with your property manager to ensure the company has access to the location.
When having a vehicle towed that is not your own, it is especially important to take photos or video evidence of the vehicle and its location before it is towed. This may serve as evidence in the case of disputes at a later date.
Wait for the towing company to arrive, and allow them to tow away the car. Follow up with your property manager after this has been done to ensure that the issue is resolved and the vehicle owner is aware.
When your own car stops running, it can spark panic or uncertainty. However, having your car located within your own apartment complex when it needs to be towed is an advantage!
It’s a lot more convenient than having your car break down on the roadside, or somewhere else where you are unable to verify parking and towing laws.
If your car is parked or located in your apartment complex and needs to be towed, the most important thing is to understand your personal obligations and get in contact with your property manager.
First things first: review your lease agreement. There are two things to clarify here:
If the answer is yes, you may have a little extra wriggle room as there is less urgency to move the car.
If the answer is no you’ll need to have your car towed as soon as possible, to avoid any charges or legal trouble and to ensure others can access their apartments and designated parking spaces.
Looking over your lease agreement will allow you to understand your personal obligations and your apartment complex towing procedures. This can allow you to make a plan of action.
Remember, laws relating to parking and towing on private property vary by location. Your lease agreement should outline the laws that apply to you/your state.
Next, get in touch with your property manager or landlord promptly to inform them of the situation.
Explain WHY you need your car towed, as well as your plan of action. Ask for their permission to have a towing company enter the property, and when you plan on this happening.
Provide any additional details that the property manager may be interested in (for instance, your registration plate number, your vehicle’s make and model, your parking registration permit, and photos of the car and its location).
Your property manager may have specific instructions or recommendations or may arrange the towing themself.
Find a towing company in your area. You can contact us or a quick Google search can identify viable options!
Compare different companies in terms of cost, promptness, location, and reliability; you may wish to read some reviews.
Contact the towing company and explain your situation and needs. Remember to explain WHY you need your car towed, and any technical issues or events that led to this moment.
Provide all relevant details such as your registration plate number, your vehicle’s make and model, photos of the car and its exact location, any insurance policies you have, and the address of your apartment complex.
Once you have arranged to have your car towed, make sure the towing company can access the apartment complex and get to your car.
If your apartment complex is gated or access is restricted, you may need to coordinate with your property manager to ensure that the company has access to the location.
Remove any personal belongings from the car and provide the towing company with a car key if necessary.
Wait for the towing company to arrive, and allow them to tow away the car!
Follow up with your property manager after this has been done to keep them informed and up-to-date about the situation.
Be prepared to pay for the towing service. This cost will vary depending on your situation, the distance the car needs to be towed, your insurance, and the towing company you use.
As you will now realize, getting a car towed can be a relatively simple procedure regardless of who the vehicle belongs to.
In all cases, it’s important to understand your obligations, maintain open communication with your property manager, reach out to a towing company promptly, and provide all parties with as much detail as possible to make the process run smoothly.