Towing Issues: Towed from snow-covered hcap Space, photographic proof, white paint


Question
I live in an apartment in Baltimore, Maryland.  My complex marks their hcap spots with white paint on the pavement, that's it.  It snowed on monday, enough to cover the lot.  My car was not parked in the hcap space, but I left for a few hours that day, and returned, and parked in what I thought was the same snow-covered space.  The space was in fact the space to the left, which was handicap.  Two days later, 5am on Wednesday, my car was towed after the snow had melted (I had not used that car for 1.5 days).  Towing company has photos proving the hcap paint was clearly visible upon towing, and don't believe that the vehicle was parked there for 1.5 days.  Thus 2 questions: What can I do next, and does the apartment complex need to have actual signs designating hcap spaces, rather than only paint?

Answer
The tow company has photographic proof of the violation which eliminates dispute for the tow and releases the tow company from any possible wrong doing. Now you have to move on to management. As for the paint vs. signs it's usually one or the other in most cases. Basically, you have to argue the fact that you were unaware of such procedures but you need proof backing that up. Should the lease give no or poor wording about parking procedures and enforcement then you could have a good argument. Review your lease with the terms and conditions on parking procedures and enforcement. If it's clearly stated or defined in the lease about painted marking, etc. then the odds are not in your favor because management will argue the fact that you were given proper written notice in the rental contract. As for city ordinances or statues with proper display of marked spaces you could review the code but if it's clearly stated and defined in your lease, by signing the rental contract you agreed to management's terms and conditions.