If someone has parked illegally on private property, it can be incredibly frustrating. In addition to this, the situation can get even worse over time, as unauthorized vehicles often take up space or block the road, and attempting to tackle it on your own is often ineffective.
Being parked in an apartment complex is no exception and, despite some people believing that a car can’t be towed from apartments, it can if it is parked illegally. The parking that’s provided for apartments is still private property. So, if vehicles are parked where they shouldn’t be or they don’t comply with the rules, they can still be towed in most states.
Residents of an apartment complex have the right to park in their designated parking spots. So, it can be annoying when someone else takes their space or blocks the entrance. For this reason, apartment landlords also have a duty to get illegally parked vehicles removed.
Common Reasons Why a Car Might be Towed from an Apartment Building
In some cases, for the owners of apartments, towing cars might be necessary. For the people who live in the apartments and their visitors, it’s important that they have access to their parking spaces and their homes, and that cars aren’t parked in a way that is dangerous.
There are some situations where vehicles can be legally towed, and the rules should be clearly posted around the apartment complex so they are visible. The rules should also be stated in lease agreements and that violating the rules means a car can be towed. Under certain circumstances, it’s also a legal requirement that they are towed because they pose a safety risk.
Some of the most common reasons for towing cars in apartment complex parking lots are:
· Blocking another vehicle so it can’t leave a parking space
· Obstructing a lane marked for emergency services
· Blocking designated fire escape access
· Parking in a way that blocks entry or exit to the car park or an access gate
· When an unattended vehicle is leaking hazardous fluids that pose a risk to the property or people in the area
· Parking in a tow-away zone that’s clearly marked, including spaces with signs that say unauthorized vehicles will be towed, such as numbered spots for tenants
· Illegally parking in a handicapped space that has the correct signs
The Legalities of Towing Cars Parked at Apartments
In most apartment complexes, there are rules about parking. This is for the benefit of residents, as well as to ensure that emergency access can take place if needed.
Among other things, some of the most common rules are around where you can park in the complex, as certain areas might be off-limits for a variety of reasons. There might also be rules about which spaces are available and when. Many apartments have numbered spots that only the tenant can use, as well as limits on times that guests can use the parking.
Under these circumstances, as long as there are the correct signs in place and they are visible, towing cars in apartment complex parking lots is legal.
Considering this, most property owners build a strong relationship with a local towing company. This way, they can call on them when needed to remove illegally parked vehicles promptly.
Towing companies are required to act within the law and are aware of when it is legal to tow a vehicle or not, which gives landlords the added security of knowing that they are acting legally.
How to Choose the Right Tow Operator for Your Needs
The building owners need to practice due diligence when it comes to checking for vehicles parked in a way that could be dangerous, so using a licensed company can remove some of the stress and uncertainty when it comes to owners of apartments towing cars.
Some important requirements to consider include proper screening of the service to check that it complies with the regulations, has a strong reputation, and follows ethical business practices.
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