Cal. Civ. Code § 66-28-519
Towing of vehicles.
Operative Text
(a) A landlord may have the following vehicles towed or otherwise removed from real property leased or rented by such landlord for residential purposes, upon giving a ten-day written notice by posting the same upon the subject vehicle: (1) A vehicle with one (1) or more flat or missing tires; (2) A vehicle unable to operate under its own power; (3) A vehicle with a missing or broken windshield or more than one (1) broken or missing window; (4) A vehicle with one (1) or more missing fenders or bumpers; or (5) A motor vehicle that has not been in compliance with all applicable local or state laws relative to titling, licensing, operation, and registration for more than thirty (30) days. (b) If the owner of the vehicle is not present, then prior to removing the vehicle pursuant to this section, the person, firm or entity that actually tows the vehicle shall notify local law enforcement of the vehicle identification number (VIN), registration information, license plate number and description of the vehicle. Local law enforcement shall keep a record of all such information which shall be available for public inspection.
Tennessee Code Ann. § 66-28-519 authorizes residential landlords to have certain vehicles removed from their rental property after posting a ten-day written notice directly on the vehicle. The vehicles subject to removal include those with flat or missing tires, inoperable vehicles, those with significant window or windshield damage, those missing fenders or bumpers, and motor vehicles that have been out of compliance with titling, licensing, or registration laws for more than thirty days. When the vehicle's owner is not present at the time of towing, the towing company is required to notify local law enforcement with identifying details about the vehicle, and that information must be kept on public record.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential rental properties in Tennessee who need to address abandoned or non-compliant vehicles under § 66-28-519 generally ensure that written notice is physically posted on the subject vehicle at least ten days before any tow is arranged. Compliant operators also confirm that the towing company they engage is prepared to notify local law enforcement with the vehicle's VIN, registration information, license plate number, and description if the owner is not present at the time of removal. Keeping dated records of the posted notice and the towing company's law enforcement notification helps document adherence to the procedural requirements of this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 66-28-519, tenants whose vehicles may be subject to removal have a right to receive ten days' written notice posted on the vehicle before a tow can lawfully occur, giving them an opportunity to address the condition or move the vehicle. If a vehicle was towed without that notice, or if it does not fall within the categories described in this section, that procedural gap may be relevant to any dispute over the removal. Tenants in this situation may find it useful to contact local law enforcement—which is required to maintain public records of towed vehicles under this provision—or to reach out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 29, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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