Can my landlord tow my car if it is parked legally?
25
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That does allow you to push back. They can't bind you to terms that are not covered under your lease. If the lease says you have to register with the complex, which you did, and then you have to park within certain guidelines, which you also followed, towing the car for an extraneous registration could be a breach of the lease.
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I recently had my car towed. On July 23, 2025, my vehicle was towed from my apartment complex. I have been a resident since December 2024, and both of my vehicles are fully registered with the complex. I pay monthly for parking privileges and have provided all required documentation.
Recently, the complex hired a new towing agency and notified residents to register with the agency by July 14. I did not complete this additional registration. On July 23, my vehicle was towed, even though I was not in violation of any parking rules, resulting in a $300 retrieval fee.
After speaking with the Leasing Manager, she informed me that she authorized the towing of my vehicle, despite having all of my parking documentation already on file with the complex.
I am seeking your guidance on whether this action was lawful, given my status as a registered, paying resident with all documentation properly submitted.
I understand how frustrating it must be to have your vehicle towed despite being a registered resident. Can you tell me if there were any specific terms in your lease agreement regarding towing and parking privileges?
My lease states the complex “may have unauthorized or illegally parked vehicles towed,” and outlines 13 specific conditions under which towing is allowed.
Here are a few that may be applicable:
(3) No current license plate or registration
(5) Belongs to a resident who has surrendered or abandoned the apartment
(6) Parked in a handicap spot without proper signage
(7) Parked in staff/guest spaces
(10) Parked in a space marked for another unit
(13) Belongs to a resident but is parked in a visitor or retail space
Have you had any prior communication with the leasing office about your parking status before the towing incident occurred?
No
Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your towing incident.
No
Hi there! My name is Liz and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade, and I am here to assist with your legal concerns. So I can best help, is the car operational and has a current registration with the state?
Yes
Thank you for that. Was it parked in your designated spot?
We do not have designated spots, but it was parked legally.
And it was not in a handicap, visitor, or retail space?
No
So the only issue was a failure to register with the new agency? Did they give a different sticker or some different proof of registration?
The document they gave me only states for the violation: “Unregistered Vehicle.”
Does your lease say you have to register with their tow company?
No
That does allow you to push back. They can't bind you to terms that are not covered under your lease. If the lease says you have to register with the complex, which you did, and then you have to park within certain guidelines, which you also followed, towing the car for an extraneous registration could be a breach of the lease.
Under the circumstances, should I ask for a refund with some additional fees added for inconvenience, or should I retain an attorney?
A refund of the tow fee and maybe a little extra can be reasonable, since it was towed without proper notice and cause.
If they refuse...
If they refuse, you would have to use small claims.
Ok, thanks
You're very welcome! Have a wonderful day.
Same to you.
