What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Michigan
Today, the apartment complex left a note stating that vehicles would have to be moved from some parking lots on the complex to either other parking lots or off the complex completely (the note was not too clear about which lots are okay, but I'm not sure about the legality there) by 7:00 am tomorrow. The note was not there at or before 5:30 pm today. The note instructed those with questions to call a phone number, upon calling the number we heard a message to call during regular business hours (from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm), so there is no way to contact anyone about this before the deadline tomorrow morning.
This seems to be clearly illegal based on the relevant law:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(xgj4hbxh4ahao1r5f1enptol))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-257-252k
MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 300 of 1949
257.252k Towing or removing vehicle without owner's consent; notice; requirements.
Sec. 252k.
Except as otherwise provided in section 252l, an owner or lessor of private real property shall post a notice that meets all of the following requirements before authorizing the towing or removal of a vehicle from the real property without the consent of the owner or other person who is legally entitled to possess the vehicle:
(a) The notice shall be prominently displayed at each point of entry for vehicular access to the real property. If the real property lacks curbs or access barriers, not less than 1 notice shall be posted for each 100 feet of road frontage.
(b) The notice clearly indicates in letters not less than 2 inches high on a contrasting background that unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at the owner's expense.
(c) The notice provides the name and telephone number of the towing service responsible for towing or removing vehicles from that property.
(d) The notice is permanently installed with the bottom of the notice located not less than 4 feet from the ground and is continuously maintained on the property for not less than 24 hours before a vehicle is towed or removed.
History: Add. 2004, Act 493, Eff. Oct. 1, 2005 ;-- Am. 2008, Act 539, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 2009
Questions:
If the complex does end up towing vehicles, would this be criminal act or a civil dispute?
Would the violation of the law and having cars towed be considered theft or just violation of MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE 257.252k?
Further question, this complex has repeatedly given short notices for all kinds of intrusive actions, maintenance, city inspections, repairs/improvements and I have repeatedly asked that they give more notice. It seems nothing short of legal action is likely to affect their behavior, what might I be able to do?
Today, the apartment complex left a note stating that vehicles would have to be moved from some parking lots on the complex to either other parking lots or off the complex completely (the note was not too clear about which lots are okay, but I'm not sure about the legality there) by 7:00 am tomorrow. The note was not there at or before 5:30 pm today. The note instructed those with questions to call a phone number, upon calling the number we heard a message to call during regular business hours (from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm), so there is no way to contact anyone about this before the deadline tomorrow morning.
This seems to be clearly illegal based on the relevant law:
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(xgj4hbxh4ahao1r5f1enptol))/mileg.aspx?page=getObject&objectName=mcl-257-252k
MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 300 of 1949
257.252k Towing or removing vehicle without owner's consent; notice; requirements.
Sec. 252k.
Except as otherwise provided in section 252l, an owner or lessor of private real property shall post a notice that meets all of the following requirements before authorizing the towing or removal of a vehicle from the real property without the consent of the owner or other person who is legally entitled to possess the vehicle:
(a) The notice shall be prominently displayed at each point of entry for vehicular access to the real property. If the real property lacks curbs or access barriers, not less than 1 notice shall be posted for each 100 feet of road frontage.
(b) The notice clearly indicates in letters not less than 2 inches high on a contrasting background that unauthorized vehicles will be towed away at the owner's expense.
(c) The notice provides the name and telephone number of the towing service responsible for towing or removing vehicles from that property.
(d) The notice is permanently installed with the bottom of the notice located not less than 4 feet from the ground and is continuously maintained on the property for not less than 24 hours before a vehicle is towed or removed.
History: Add. 2004, Act 493, Eff. Oct. 1, 2005 ;-- Am. 2008, Act 539, Imd. Eff. Jan. 13, 2009
Questions:
If the complex does end up towing vehicles, would this be criminal act or a civil dispute?
Would the violation of the law and having cars towed be considered theft or just violation of MICHIGAN VEHICLE CODE 257.252k?
Further question, this complex has repeatedly given short notices for all kinds of intrusive actions, maintenance, city inspections, repairs/improvements and I have repeatedly asked that they give more notice. It seems nothing short of legal action is likely to affect their behavior, what might I be able to do?
