Can i have a tenant's vehicle towed?

Question

I just bought a duplex that has a medium size trailer parked in the drive. The neighbor next door complains that it blocks her view when backing out. The previous landlord states he has asked the owner to move it several times. I am presenting them with a new lease effective the first of the year. I put in my lease that boats, trailers, RV's etc. may not be parked on the premises for more than 4 days per month.

Can I legally have the vehicle towed at the owner's expense? There are no HOA rules, so it would just be my lease prohibiting such vehicles.

Paul Day · Answer

I think @Theresa Harris might be on to something. Maybe the complaining Tennant is the bigger problem. I'm not a landlord yet but my experience with people is that if you give them a cookie they'll ask for a glass of milk. I work with somebody who is constantly complaining about her landlord. Usually the things shes complaining about are beyond his control.

Guy Yoes · Answer

@Theresa Harris I talked to them today and they implied they are looking to buy a house. I figure they will be gone in 3-6 months. It's not worth the hassle and bad press to push the issue at this time.

Thanks for your input!

Theresa Harris · Answer

@Guy Yoes  how would the trailer block the view any more than a truck parked in the driveway.  As long as the trailer is parked in the driveway and not blocking the sidewalk, leave it.  Between the sidewalk and parking on the side of the road, there should be more than enough room for her to see oncoming traffic.  She could also back into her driveway.

Jeff Willis · Answer

I agree with @Arvi Carkanji. Try to resolve is a civilized manner. Towing a vehicle/trailer will create a battle, you will not win. Work with the tenant to resolve the issue, you will win in the long run.

Todd Rasmussen · Answer

@Guy Yoes

Depends entirely on jurisdiction. Research your local traffic laws and/or reach out to your local police department or sheriff's office to make sure you cover your basis. Significant liability arises from doing private party impounds incorrectly.

Arvi Carkanji · Answer

Did the owner have a lease in place with him? Sometimes you have to respect their old lease until that expires, depending on the state. However, if he in a month to month it's a different story. I would try to solve this in a "nice" way first before you get on bad terms with the tenant. I don't think that will help your relationship in the long term (if you want him to stay). This could create turmoil like not paying rent and having to spend money on eviction. Either way, hopefully you will resolve this soon!

Theresa Harris · Answer

@Guy Yoes  I still wouldn't get the tenant to move it.  If it isn't a 'real street', there likely isn't a lot of traffic and she can back out slowly.  You are right that it would cause more problems than it is worth to tow it or get them to move it.

Ola Dantis · Answer

@Guy Yoes

Try charging the tenant some big bucks for parking and you'd see how quickly it will be moved!

Scott Mac · Answer

@Guy Yoes

Hi Guy,

So maybe trailer storage on the lot is $50 a month in the new lease ($600 a year extra income = $3,000 for 5 years tenancy),

and the neighbor won't put that amount in your pocket if you convince him to move it.

Good Luck!

Guy Yoes · Answer

Just to clarify that the trailer is 12 feet long.

Can i have a tenant's vehicle towed?

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