Think of the worst thing that can happen when you get home from work spending some time coming up with a description of your car and its disappearance that chills you to the bone. So, a call to the management office of the condominium proved that the vehicle had been towed. Unfortunately, this situation is quite typical for Calgary condos.
This blog post’s primary purpose is to clarify the topic of condo towing in Calgary. By knowing the best practices, restrictions, and likely outcomes, residents can prevent towing situations and other pitfalls.
Understanding Condo Towing Rules
The Role Of The Condominium Association
Condominium associations eventually govern towing practices in most condominiums under their functions in the condominium communities. These associations are responsible for:
- Establishing Towing Policies: The association formulates and implements towing policies through provincial and municipal laws. These policies describe particular conditions under which cars can be removed. For example, if they are left in prohibited zones or places that hinder the movement of other automobiles.
- Authorizing Towing: Generally, the association approves towing requests and makes sure that all the proper procedures are followed and that the towing has legal grounds to be done.
- Managing Towing Fees: The association may also collect and administer towing charges usually imposed on the resident whose car was towed.
Common Towing Scenarios
Several common scenarios can lead to a vehicle being towed into a Calgary condo:
- Parking in Unauthorized Areas: Parking in designated visitor spaces, restricted zones, or fire corridors is subject to towing.
- Obstructing Traffic or Emergency Access: Any car parked in a manner that hinders the free circulation of cars or affects access by emergency vehicles is subject to being towed.
- Vehicles Left Inoperable for Extended Periods: Abandoned cars that take too long to park in allowed zones may be removed to avoid hindrance and possible risk.
Towing Procedures And Notifications
Notification Process
Many condominium associations follow practices that allow them to warn residents of possible towing operations. These notifications may include:
- Written Notices: Posted in accessible areas or delivered door-to-door or room-to-room.
- Email Notifications: All the emails diligently put together in the residents’ communication channels inform them of towing policies and possible violations within the premises.
- Verbal Warnings: In some instances, management or security personnel can verbally assault residents.
Towing Authorization
Towing is usually permitted where the condominium association management or the board encourages it. This authorization could be obtained through a written request from a resident or documentation of an infringement of parking standards.
Before authorizing towing, the association may require specific documentation such as:
- Photos of the parked vehicle.
- Write up past notices or fines.
- Ownership of the vehicle in question has also been proved.
Towing Fees And Costs
Towing fees and storage charges differ depending on several factors such as the towing company involved in the event. These are usually recovered from the prominent resident whose car was towed.
Regarding billing, people incur towing costs and storage fees for their vehicles and may only challenge the towing or demonstrate that it was unlawful or unreasonable.
Resident Rights And Responsibilities
Resident Rights
Condominium residents have certain rights concerning towing:
- Right to be Informed: It is timely if residents must be allowed to know when and how their condominium association will tow its cars. This includes learning the conditions under which towing is likely to occur and the general procedure to be followed in case of towing.
- Right to Challenge Wrongful Towing: Any resident who thinks quickly that their car was towed improperly can contest this decision. This may require typically initiating a complaint to the association of condominiums or inquiring about professional services.
Resident Responsibilities
Residents also have responsibilities related to towing:
- Adherence to Parking Rules: Each condominium association has rules and regulations regarding where residents can park their vehicles. This includes parking in prohibited zones and only in allowed zones of the compound.
- Prompt Payment of Towing Fees: The car owner may be required to cast the towing bill and storage costs as a resident in towing. These fees must be paid and failure to do so has other repercussions.
Tips For Avoiding Towing
Learn more about the tips for a smooth process in Calgary:
Tip #1: Parking Etiquette
- Adhering to Designated Parking Spaces: It is also essential to make sure you park your car in the agreed unit space for parking your vehicle. Do not park in a visitor or any restricted space.
- Avoiding Restricted Areas: Consider various no-go zones including fire lanes, loading zones, and zones reserved for emergency vehicles. Parking your car in these areas may attract towing.
Tip #2: Vehicle Maintenance
- Ensuring Vehicles are in Good Working Condition: Check your car for mechanical breakdowns that cause it to develop defects resulting in its nonfunctional nature. This includes checking the tire pressure, battery health/condition and even the fluids in the car.
- Addressing Issues Promptly: If something is wrong with your car, do not let something happen that would result in the vehicle being unable to be driven and then being towed.
Dedicated Towing Professionals In Calgary
AAA Towing is a Calgary-based business that provides towing services. In business for many years and dedicated to client satisfaction, AAA Towing provides quality towing service to meet all your requirements.
Regarding towing, every job is manageable for the AAA Towing team; our team can tow it all for emergencies, minor accidents and large wreckages. It has scanner-mounted transport vehicles and ensures that all transportation is done in a very safe manner.
Do not let towing ruin your day. For towing services that would benefit you in Calgary, contact AAA Towing.