If someone is parked in your assigned apartment spot in Dallas, the property manager handles the tow under Occupations Code 2308, not you. The signage has to be in place, the manager has to have a written agreement with a licensed operator, and the proper notice has to go on the vehicle. Call (469) 902-4411 if your complex’s enforcement isn’t moving fast enough, and we’ll connect you with a licensed Dallas-area operator who can walk your manager through the next step.
Why the manager, not you, has to act
Occupations Code 2308 puts the authority for non-consent towing on private property in the hands of the property owner, not the tenant. Even if the car in your spot belongs to someone you know, even if you have a copy of your lease naming that spot as yours, the legal right to authorize a tow belongs to the property owner or their designated agent. A tenant calling a tow truck directly and removing someone else’s car exposes the tenant to civil liability for an unauthorized tow.
What the manager has to have in place
Before any tow can happen on a Dallas apartment lot, two things have to be true.
Posted signage. Under Occupations Code 2308.301, the signs at every entrance have to meet a specific standard: at least 18 by 24 inches, the international towing symbol, bottom edge between 5 and 8 feet off the ground, and stating who may park, that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense, enforcement hours, and a 24-hour phone number with area code.
A written towing agreement. The property owner must have a written agreement with a licensed tow operator, and that agreement must be on file with the local police agency. Without it, even a perfectly posted sign is not enough to authorize a tow.
If your apartment complex has both, your manager can authorize the removal. If either one is missing, that is a problem the management company needs to fix before any tow is legitimate.
What to do as the tenant
Three practical steps move this along without putting you at legal risk.
Document the violation. Take dated photos of the unauthorized vehicle in your spot, including a clear shot of the license plate. Note the time and how long the vehicle has been there. Screenshot your apartment’s parking assignment or a copy of the relevant lease clause.
Contact your property manager or leasing office. Most Dallas complexes have a phone number or portal for parking enforcement. Provide the plate, time, and photos. Many complexes maintain a list of approved vehicles, and the manager can quickly confirm whether the car belongs to a resident, a guest with a valid pass, or someone with no business on the lot.
Follow up in writing. A short email or message to the manager creates a paper trail. If the violation persists, having a documented pattern helps if the issue ever escalates to a court hearing or a TDLR complaint.
What the manager should do
Once the violation is reported, the manager should:
Verify the vehicle is unauthorized. Run the plate against the resident and guest list.
Issue a warning or call for a tow. Some complexes issue a written warning on the vehicle before towing, especially for first-time guest violations. Others skip the warning and call for the tow immediately if the signage permits.
Call the contracted licensed operator. The operator comes out, verifies the agreement and signage, and removes the vehicle. The operator is required to leave a notice on the vehicle stating where it was taken and how to recover it.
The vehicle’s owner pays the tow and any storage fees when they pick the car up. Dallas City Code 48A-43 caps the non-consent tow fee at $121 for vehicles up to 10,000 lbs, $191 for 10,001 to 26,000 lbs, and $445 above that. TDLR caps storage at $22.85 per day for vehicles 25 feet and under, plus a $50 notification fee.
What if your complex doesn’t enforce
If your management company refuses to act and the problem is recurring, you have a few options. Send a written request for enforcement, citing the property’s own rules. If that fails, file a complaint with the property’s owner or management company. In extreme cases, you can consult a tenant attorney about whether the lack of enforcement breaches the lease’s quiet-enjoyment terms.
Frequently asked questions
Can I just call a tow truck myself? No. Doing so exposes you to civil liability for an unauthorized tow. The property owner or their agent has to authorize it.
Does the unauthorized driver pay the tow fee? Yes. Dallas City Code 48A-43 caps what they can be charged for the tow itself, and TDLR caps what they pay in storage.
What if the car has been there for less than an hour? Most complexes have a grace period, often 15 to 30 minutes, before enforcement. The exact grace period depends on your lease and the posted rules.
What if my complex has no posted signs? That’s a problem for the management company, not a justification for a tenant-initiated tow. Ask the manager in writing to fix the signage.
If your assigned spot keeps getting taken and your complex needs help moving on enforcement, call (469) 902-4411. We’ll connect you with a licensed Dallas-area operator who can talk to your management company about getting the right paperwork in place.