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Towed from your apartment complex in New Jersey

Each vehicle entrance needs a sign at least 36 by 36 inches listing parking rules, the tow company's name, address and phone, tow and storage charges, the storage lot address and hours, and the Division of Consumer Affairs number 1-800-242-5846. Single-family homes, small owner-occupied buildings, and blocked driveways are exempt.

Checked Nov 15, 2026 against the New Jersey 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.

New Jersey rules that matter here

Tow-away signs

Each vehicle entrance needs a sign at least 36 by 36 inches listing parking rules, the tow company's name, address and phone, tow and storage charges, the storage lot address and hours, and the Division of Consumer Affairs number 1-800-242-5846. Single-family homes, small owner-occupied buildings, and blocked driveways are exempt.15

Notice

For tows ordered by police, the tow company must notify the driver, owner, leasing company and lienholder within 30 days of the car reaching its lot, or total storage is capped at $750. We found no similar notice deadline for private-lot tows.18

Drop fee release

If you return while your car is hooked or lifted but not yet moved off the property, the tow company must release it. It may charge only a decoupling fee, and no other fees, unless police ordered the tow for public safety.27

Personal belongings

There is no written right to retrieve belongings, but the state lists every fee a tow company may charge. A fee for trips to the car in storage is allowed only after the third trip, and fees not on the list are banned.3

Hearing to contest the tow

There is no tow hearing. If a fee is disputed and the Division of Consumer Affairs finds it unreasonable, the Director may order the company to refund the excess with interest.13

Payment

To release a car from storage the operator must accept cash, an insurance company check, a valid debit card, or a major credit or charge card, with limited exceptions for suspected fraud.1

Related

Think the tow or the bill was wrong?

Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in New Jersey, 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 15, 2026. Fees and rules change: confirm with the lot or agency before you go. Spot an error? Tell us.

  1. Predatory Towing Prevention Act and related statutes (Division of Consumer Affairs compilation, revised 2016) (N.J.S.A. 56:13-4, 56:13-7 to 56:13-23), New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  2. P.L.2018, c.165 (amends the Predatory Towing Prevention Act, decoupling rule) (N.J.S.A. 56:13-16(e)), New Jersey Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  3. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.4 Schedule of non-consensual towing and storage services (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.4), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  4. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.5 Unreasonable fees (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.5), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  5. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.6 Towing motor vehicles from private property (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.6), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  6. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.7 Storage facilities (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.7), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  7. N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.8 Private property towing practices (N.J.A.C. 13:45A-31.8), LII (New Jersey Administrative Code). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  8. P.L.2023, c.132 (police-authorized nonconsent tows, notice and storage limit) (N.J.S.A. 56:13-16(i), 2A:44-21), New Jersey Legislature. Checked Nov 15, 2026.