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Towed from your apartment complex in Michigan

The property owner must post signs at each vehicle entrance, or one per 100 feet of road frontage if there are no curbs. Signs must say in letters at least 2 inches high that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense, give the tow company's name and phone, be mounted at least 4 feet up, and be in place 24 hours before a tow. Single and two-family homes are exempt.

Checked Nov 14, 2026 against the Michigan statute and regulator pages.

What to do now

  1. Call the property office or check the tow-away sign at the lot entrance. It must name the tow company and its phone number in most states.
  2. Call the tow company to confirm they have the car, the address of the storage lot and the total due.
  3. Photograph the signs, your permit or sticker and where you were parked before anything changes.
  4. Get your car out quickly. Storage is charged by the day.
  5. Ask for an itemized receipt and compare it to your state limits.
  6. If the tow broke your lease or the state rules, write to the property manager and request a hearing if your state offers one.

Michigan rules that matter here

Tow-away signs

The property owner must post signs at each vehicle entrance, or one per 100 feet of road frontage if there are no curbs. Signs must say in letters at least 2 inches high that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense, give the tow company's name and phone, be mounted at least 4 feet up, and be in place 24 hours before a tow. Single and two-family homes are exempt.78

Notice

Before towing from private property the tow company must notify the police, who enter the car in the state police network within 24 hours. The Secretary of State then mails a notice to the owner and lender within 7 days that explains how to get the car back and how to request a hearing.1

Drop fee release

If you get to the car before it is towed away, the tow truck must unhook it and let you drive off after you pay a reasonable service fee and get a receipt. This does not apply to police tows for a hazardous vehicle, suspected theft, evidence, or a crash.2

Personal belongings

The lot must let the owner inspect the car and take out personal property during regular business hours, with no fee for the first visit. Later visits can cost up to 25 dollars each.1

Hearing to contest the tow

You can file the petition from the notice with the district court to contest the tow or the reasonableness of the fees. You must file within 20 days after the date of the notice, and you can get the car back during the case by posting a bond or paying the fee and charges to the court. The court schedules the hearing within 30 days.134

Related

Michigan cities: Detroit

Think the tow or the bill was wrong?

Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in Michigan, and request a hearing before the deadline. Our step-by-step guide and calculator are free.

Questions

Can my apartment tow my car without warning?

In many states yes, if proper tow-away signs are posted at each entrance. Some states and leases require a warning sticker first for things like expired tags. Check your state rules and your lease.

Who do I call if my car was towed from my apartment?

Start with the tow company named on the posted sign or the property office. In Houston and Harris County you can also search FindMyTowedCar. Police usually get a report of private tows within a few hours.

Sources

Last checked Nov 14, 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm with the lot or agency before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.

  1. Michigan Vehicle Code, abandoned vehicles (MCL 257.252a), Michigan Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  2. Michigan Vehicle Code, immediate removal of vehicles (MCL 257.252d), Michigan Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  3. Michigan Vehicle Code, court jurisdiction over towing (MCL 257.252e), Michigan Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  4. Michigan Vehicle Code, hearing on petition (MCL 257.252f), Michigan Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  5. Michigan Vehicle Code, public sale of abandoned vehicles (MCL 257.252g), Michigan Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  6. Michigan Vehicle Code, towing and storage fees (MCL 257.252i), Michigan Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  7. Michigan Vehicle Code, private property tow signs (MCL 257.252k), Michigan Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  8. Michigan Vehicle Code, exceptions to sign rule (MCL 257.252l), Michigan Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  9. Attorney General Nessel Reissues Consumer Alert on Michigan Towing Laws (July 3, 2025), Michigan Department of Attorney General. Checked Nov 14, 2026.