Dealing with Abandoned Vehicles on Your Rental Property

Answer

An abandoned vehicle on rental property creates safety, liability and code-enforcement risks. Removal rules vary by state and locality, but the usual path combines documentation, lawful notice, police notification, and a qualified tow—never unilateral “self-help” removal that could create criminal or civil exposure.

Practical steps landlords commonly follow:

• Document the vehicle: note date/time, plate number (if any), make/model, visible damage, and take timestamped photos or video.
• Check local rules: many states set minimum wait periods, require a written notice on the vehicle (e.g., 24–72 hours), or require law-enforcement notification before towing. Follow the statute for your jurisdiction exactly. :
• Contact police/non-emergency dispatch: ask whether they classify the vehicle as abandoned and whether they will tag it or arrange removal—police involvement often protects you and creates official record. :
• Use a licensed towing company: arrange removal through a reputable tow operator familiar with local requirements; many states require the tower to notify law enforcement after towing and to provide owner/lienholder notice.

Avoid these mistakes: do not change locks, dismantle the vehicle, move it yourself, or throw out personal property without following legal procedures—those acts can expose you to criminal charges or a lawsuit. If the vehicle belongs to a current or former tenant, coordinate removal with any abandoned- property rules that govern how you must notify the tenant and store/reclaim belongings.

Finally, keep records of every step (photos, police reports, tow receipts, notices served) and verify whether your insurer or mortgage lender requires notification. Because statutes and timelines differ widely, it’s advisable to consult a licensed attorney or local code enforcement office for the specific procedures that apply to your property before taking action.