What to Do When Your Car Is Towed From an Apartment Complex
How to find your car after a tow from an apartment
Your car was towed from an apartment complex, and the first thing you need is the name and phone number of the towing company. Call the apartment office or the property management company — they are required to tell you which tow service removed your vehicle and where it is being held. If the office is closed, check any notices posted on the property or look for a sign near the parking area that lists the towing company's contact information.
Once you have the tow company's number, call them and give them your license plate number or vehicle identification number (VIN). They will tell you the exact location of the impound lot, the cost to retrieve your car, and what documents you need to bring. Most tow companies operate during business hours only, so ask about their hours before you go.
Bring your driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership — usually your vehicle registration or title. Some impound lots also accept insurance cards or loan documents if you do not have the registration with you. Ask the tow company what they accept before you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- The apartment office or property management company must tell you which tow service removed your car and where it is located.
- Towing fees in South Carolina vary by company and distance, so call the impound lot for the exact amount before you go retrieve your vehicle.
- You will need your driver's license and proof of vehicle ownership to pick up your car.
- If you believe the tow was illegal or the charges are unreasonable, you can dispute the tow with the property management company or file a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General's office.
- Some apartment leases allow towing for specific violations — check your lease to understand what parking rules you agreed to.
Why your car was towed from the apartment
Apartment complexes can have your car towed for several reasons. The most common are: parking in a space not assigned to your unit, parking in a handicapped space without a permit, blocking a fire lane or dumpster, parking in a visitor space for too long, or violating other parking rules listed in your lease or posted on the property.
Some complexes also tow vehicles that are expired, inoperable, or missing license plates. If your car had a mechanical problem or the registration was out of date, that may be why it was removed. Check your lease agreement and any parking rules posted at the complex to understand what violation triggered the tow.
What the tow will cost you
Towing fees are not set by the state — each company charges what they choose. A typical tow from an apartment complex costs between $150 and $300, but some companies charge more. Storage fees usually run $15 to $50 per day, and these add up quickly if you do not retrieve your car within a few days.
Ask the tow company for the total cost before you go to the lot. Some will take cash, check, or card; others may accept only one payment method. If the total seems very high, you can ask the tow company to itemize the charges — they should be able to tell you the towing fee, storage fee, and any other costs separately.
Disputing an illegal or wrongful tow
South Carolina law says a tow company must have written authorization from the property owner or manager before towing a vehicle. If you believe your car was towed without proper authority, or if you parked legally and the tow was a mistake, you can dispute it.
Start by contacting the property management company in writing — email or a letter sent certified mail works well. Explain why you believe the tow was wrong and ask them to contact the tow company to have your car returned at no charge. Keep copies of everything you send.
If the property management company does not respond or refuses to help, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. You can reach them at 803-734-3970 or online at scag.gov. You can also sue the tow company or property management company in small claims court if the towing fee was unreasonable or the tow was not authorized.
Getting your car back if you cannot pay the full amount
If you cannot afford the full towing and storage fees, call the impound lot and explain your situation. Some tow companies will negotiate a payment plan or reduce storage fees if you retrieve your car quickly. It is worth asking, especially if storage fees are climbing.
If the tow company will not work with you, you still have options. You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General if you believe the fees are unreasonable, or you can contact a local legal aid organization to see if they can help you challenge the tow. In some cases, a lawyer's letter is enough to get a tow company to reconsider.
Preventing future tows at your apartment
Read your lease carefully and understand the parking rules. Many apartment complexes have strict policies about which spaces are for which units, and violations can result in towing. If you are unsure which space is yours or whether you can park in a particular spot, ask the office in writing and keep their response.
If you have guests, use the designated visitor spaces and do not let them park in your assigned space or in common areas. If your car breaks down and you cannot move it, notify the office immediately — many complexes will give you a grace period before towing an inoperable vehicle.
Keep your vehicle registration current and your license plate visible. If you are having trouble with repeated towing notices, consider whether the apartment complex is enforcing rules fairly or whether you need to find a different place to live.
Your rights during the tow and storage process
South Carolina law requires tow companies to provide you with written notice of the tow, the reason for it, and the charges. You have the right to inspect your vehicle before paying and to know exactly what you are being charged for. If the tow company refuses to let you see your car or will not explain the charges, that is a red flag.
You also have the right to retrieve personal items from your vehicle even if you cannot pay the tow fee immediately — the tow company cannot hold your belongings hostage. If you left valuables in the car, ask the tow company to let you remove them before you pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tow company keep my car if I do not pay the storage fees?
Yes. Tow companies have what is called a "lien" on your vehicle, meaning they can keep it until you pay all towing and storage charges. If you do not pay within a certain time — usually 30 to 60 days — the company can sell the car to cover the debt. Contact the tow company immediately if you cannot pay to discuss a payment plan.
What if I was not parked illegally when my car was towed?
Contact the property management company and the tow company in writing and explain that you parked legally. Ask for proof that your car violated a posted rule. If they cannot provide it, request that the tow be reversed and your fees refunded. If they refuse, file a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division.
Can I sue the apartment complex for the towing cost?
You can file a claim in small claims court if you believe the tow was illegal or unauthorized. You will need to show that the property management company did not have the right to tow your car or that the charges were unreasonable. Bring any written proof — your lease, photos of parking signs, or correspondence with the office.
How long can a tow company store my car before they can sell it?
South Carolina law does not set a specific timeline, but most tow companies must give you notice and a chance to claim your vehicle before selling it. The exact rules depend on the tow company's contract with the property owner. Call the tow company and ask how long you have before they can sell your car.
What should I do if the tow company damaged my car?
Document the damage with photos and get a written estimate for repairs. Send a letter to the tow company and the property management company describing the damage and asking them to pay for repairs. If they refuse, you can file a claim in small claims court. Bring your photos, the repair estimate, and any correspondence with the tow company.