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Towed from your apartment complex in Ohio

The property needs a sign at least 18 by 24 inches, visible from every entrance, saying it is a tow-away zone, who may park, any enforcement hours, and the phone number and address where towed cars can be recovered. If the car is towed, the most a company may charge for a private-property tow of a car in Ohio is $144, plus storage.

Checked Nov 14, 2026 against the Ohio 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.

Ohio rules that matter here

Tow-away signs

The property needs a sign at least 18 by 24 inches, visible from every entrance, saying it is a tow-away zone, who may park, any enforcement hours, and the phone number and address where towed cars can be recovered.4

Notice

The tower must tell the local sheriff or police within two hours of the tow. Within three business days it must look up the owner, then mail certified notices to the owner and any lienholder if the car is still unclaimed.4

Drop fee release

If you arrive after the car is hooked up but before it leaves the lot, the tower must tell you that you can pay no more than half the PUCO tow fee and get the car released on the spot.34

Personal belongings

With proof of ownership you can take personal items out of the car without paying any fee and without taking the car. Items attached to the car do not count.4

Hearing to contest the tow

There is no state tow hearing. When you pick up the car the lot must give you written notice that you may be able to sue under Ohio's tow law if you think the tow was unlawful. You can also file a complaint with PUCO.345

Related

Ohio cities: Columbus

Think the tow or the bill was wrong?

Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in Ohio, 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. Ohio Adm. Code 4901:2-24-03 Fees for towing and storage (Ohio Adm. Code 4901:2-24-03 (eff. Jan. 1, 2026)), PUCO. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  2. Ohio Adm. Code 4901:2-22-06 After-hours retrieval fee (Ohio Adm. Code 4901:2-22-06), PUCO. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  3. PUCO Towing fee limits, PUCO. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  4. Ohio Rev. Code 4513.601 Private tow-away zones (Ohio Rev. Code § 4513.601). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  5. Ohio Rev. Code 4513.611 Civil actions against tow operators (Ohio Rev. Code § 4513.611). Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  6. Ohio Rev. Code 4513.69 Storage facility hours and release (Ohio Rev. Code § 4513.69). Checked Nov 14, 2026.