QuestionI know the subject line is not the best, so forgive me on that. I am fairly certain I know the answer to this, but it cannot hurt to get ONE more thought on the topic.
Before I go into detail on the topic, I want to do my best to give a visual of how the condos here are set up. Each one is three stories, bottom floor being a two car garage and the next two floors being living room, kitchen, bedrooms, etc. Each garage, of course, has an immediate "driveway" in front of it. So, technically, you could fit four vehicles on your property (two in the garage, and two parked right in front of the garage).
Up until two days ago, I have never, ever had an issue with any neighbors in my entire life, let alone for parking. About a week ago we got new neighbors, and while their music was an issue at first, a few complaints to management stopped that entirely (at least so far). These people are just renting from the actual owner (they are Russian college students, probably in their very early 20s). I come home around 1:45am late Saturday/early Sunday, and what do I fine? One of their cars parked in front of my garage. I cannot get into the garage. It is not just slightly obstructing it, but is, in fact, parked directly in the driveway portion.
After about five minutes of banging on their door, they came out and one started arguing about "respect" and how "He wouldn't forget this." It took a good ten minutes to get it moved, and, of course, he moved it directly in front of someone else's garage. I informed him he is never to park our use that spot again, or he would be towed. Of course, I was hoping that was that.
One hour later, the car is back. I call the police non-emergency number. At this point, I still don't want to have it towed, but I am NOT going to go over there at that hour after I had already been yelled at. Three officers showed up, all very nice, even nicer when they found out that, while not a police officer, I do work in law enforcement. I told them what was going on, and, of course, they said due to it being private property they cannot have it towed, but they would talk to them. The car was moved within thirty secondss after they banged on their door.
Today I filed a written complaint about the situation with the office, and informed them if it ever happened again, there would be no warning, nothing, I would have it towed. The person there informed me that, yes, that is perfectly acceptable. Outside of all the gates there are big metal towing signs, so I put that number in my cell phone.
And then, about 30 minutes ago, a car is AGAIN parked there. Now, say, if I needed to leave, go out, had an emergency, etc., I am stuck. I absolutely cannot back even two inches out of my garage. I do not know how long it had been parked there for, but as soon as I got to my phone, I heard doors slamming, and they drove off. Still, I am absolutely 100% certain that it will happen again.
I just want the thoughts of those here - I am completely able to have them towed, correct? The police stated they could not tow them, but did not directly say if *I* could. Management today, though, had no issue when I said it and agreed. Still, one never fully knows.
If it matters, I am in Orlando, Florida, which is Orange County.
Thanks for any thoughts, input, or advice on this matter. It really is appreciated.
Brandon
AnswerOH BOY NIGHTMARE QUESTION HERE...
I will attempt to point you in the right direction but you most likely will not like the answers..
FIRST OF ALL, tenant feud issues are the biggest problem with towing from apartment complexes. That said you sound like you have a bunch of "I do not care people" living next door to you. That is bad news and it will cause problems till either one of you move...
Funny thing I have always seen is that the biggest problem with college kids (who pay good money to get educated) is that they tend to not follow or care about rules. That is my experiences with towing in or near colleges..(side note I worked in Eugene Oregon, and towed many vehicles from around the University of Oregon, site of the movie "animal house")
Now back to issues here, the condo complex I hope has an onsite manager. I would refer all requests to having vehicles removed to them as the property owner or his designated manager or agent are the ones who are "legally authorized to have vehicles removed"
Other wise it could get into that tenant verses tenant pissing match..
You did the right thing by discussing the problems with the management and the police, documentation is the big key here showing proof and ongoing problems..
But I would shy away from calling on your own to have vehicles removed, let the management take this issue and run with it... There are several laws both on the state and local level which deal with towing of vehicles from private property. I know that Orlando has current rules under review and being changed so I would hate to say something and find out it is wrong...
