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Towed from your apartment complex in Oregon

A tower may not tow from a parking lot unless a sign in plain view clearly prohibits or restricts public parking. Driveways of single-family homes and duplexes and places where parking is plainly not allowed need no sign.

Checked Nov 14, 2026 against the Oregon 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.

Oregon rules that matter here

Tow-away signs

A tower may not tow from a parking lot unless a sign in plain view clearly prohibits or restricts public parking. Driveways of single-family homes and duplexes and places where parking is plainly not allowed need no sign.1

Notice

The tower must tell local police where the car is within one hour of storing it. It must mail or give notice to the owner and lienholders within three business days, or it cannot charge storage after that point.1

Drop fee release

If you are there before the hookup is complete, the tower must release the car at no charge. If hookup is complete, it must still release the car and may charge no more than its listed hookup charge.1

Personal belongings

You can get emergency items such as medicine, glasses, ID, wallet, clothing and child car seats, plus the license plates, without paying. Only a gate fee may apply at night, on weekends and on holidays.1

Hearing to contest the tow

For a tow ordered by police or another public agency, you can ask that agency for a hearing on whether the tow was valid and the charges reasonable. The request must be in writing within five business days of the notice mailing date. There is no state hearing for private-lot tows.2

Payment

The tower must tell you in writing which payment methods it accepts. It may take cash only if it gives exact change by the end of the next business day.1

Related

Oregon cities: Portland

Think the tow or the bill was wrong?

Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in Oregon, 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. Oregon Revised Statutes ch. 98, towing from private property (ORS 98.805 to 98.862), Oregon Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  2. Oregon Revised Statutes ch. 819, custody and towing of vehicles by public agencies (ORS 819.110 to 819.210), Oregon Legislature. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
  3. TRN-17.03 Fees for Private Property Impound Towing and Storage in the City of Portland (Portland City Code 7.24 and administrative rule TRN-17.03 (eff. Feb. 15, 2026)), Portland Bureau of Transportation. Checked Nov 14, 2026.