Towing Issues: vehicle towed, california attorney general, apartment owner

Question
I had two vehicles towed in Los Angeles, CA.  They were towed out of my apt. complex when I was out of town for two months, and they changed my parking assignments.  I had been sending the apt. my rent via mail, and writting to them, "that if there was any problem please call me...".  The cost for each car when I got back was $936.50.  The apt. says they are going to reimbuse me for one vehicle, not the other, which was an older car.

My question is about the other vehicle, it is an older car.  I was about to give it to charity.  I don't have the cash to pay for that car.  What are my options?  I just planed on leaving the car with the tow company, is that OK?

Also, do I have an legal right to take action with the apt. for having my car towed while I was away, still paying rent?

Thank you.  Mathew

Answer
Mathew,
Just because one of your vehicles was an older one doesn't give the apartment owner any more right to have it towed than the vehicle that was newer. You should know that the tow operator will probably try to come after you anyway for towing and storage charges, plus their costs of having to auction the vehicle. File complaints with your closest D.M.V. Investigations office, your local police/sheriff's department, and the California Attorney General. Don't be afraid to contact news media, either (newspapers, television stations, etc.). They might be interested in your story. Get the word out. Try to find out if any other of your neighbors have had similar problems with the apartment owner or tow operator. Let the owner of the apartments know that you will take legal action against them as they have more than likely violated your lease agreement, since you were parked in your own designated spot...especially since you wrote and told them to contact you if there was any problem. They should have notified you that your parking spot was going to be changed. Good luck!
Jason