Towed from your apartment complex in Washington

Nonresidential lots need a sign at least 15 by 24 inches near each entrance showing when cars may be impounded and the name, phone number and address of the tow company. Residential property does not need signs. If the car is towed, the most a company may charge for a private-property tow of a car in Washington is $400.95, plus storage.

Checked Nov 15, 2026 against the Washington statute and regulator pages.

What to do now

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.
Call the tow company to confirm they have the car, the address of the storage lot and the total due.
Photograph the signs, your permit or sticker and where you were parked before anything changes.
Get your car out quickly. Storage is charged by the day.
Ask for an itemized receipt and compare it to your state limits.
If the tow broke your lease or the state rules, write to the property manager and request a hearing if your state offers one.

Washington rules that matter here

Tow-away signs

Notice

The tower must tell police right away by phone or radio, then in writing within 24 hours. It must mail the registered and legal owners a notice within 24 hours that names who ordered the tow and explains the right to redeem the car and ask for a hearing.1 2

Drop fee release

State law does not set a drop fee or require release at the scene. Seattle caps an uncompleted tow fee at $76.72 per 15 minutes.1 5

Personal belongings

Personal belongings must be kept intact for 20 days and returned on request during business hours with ID, without charge. You can also sign a form to have the tower store them free for 30 days.1 2

Hearing to contest the tow

You can contest the tow or the charges in district or municipal court. The written request must reach the court within 10 days of getting the hearing notice and more than five days before the auction, and you pay a filing fee. If the tow is found invalid, the person who ordered it pays the fees and you can recover the filing fee and damages for loss of use.1

Payment

The tower must accept commercially reasonable tender, which includes cash, major bank credit cards, and personal checks on Washington bank branches with two pieces of ID. A tower may refuse a check it cannot verify.1

Washington cities: Seattle

Think the tow or the bill was wrong?

Ask the lot for an itemized receipt, compare it to the legal limits in Washington, 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.

Revised Code of Washington ch. 46.55 Towing and impoundment (RCW 46.55.063, .070, .080, .090, .100, .110, .118, .120, .130), Washington State Legislature. Checked Nov 15, 2026.
WAC ch. 308-61 Tow truck operators (WAC 308-61-125, -135, -145, -158), Washington State Department of Licensing. Checked Nov 14, 2026.
WAC ch. 204-91A Tow truck operators, State Patrol rules (WAC 204-91A-140), Washington State Patrol. Checked Nov 15, 2026.
Tow Rates for WSP Impounds, effective October 15, 2026 through October 14, 2027, Washington State Patrol. Checked Nov 15, 2026.
Max Towing Fees: Private Property Impounds (Seattle Municipal Code 6.214.220), City of Seattle Finance and Administrative Services. Checked Nov 14, 2026.