DFW Renter Tools
Apartment towing rights in Dallas, TX
Towed from a Dallas apartment? Here are your Texas rights: what a legal tow can cost, the local ordinance, and exactly how to dispute it. Then check your specific tow for free.
What a legal tow can cost in Dallas
- Tow: up to about $272
- Storage: about $22.85/day
- Notification: up to $50
- Drop fee (before it leaves the lot): up to $135
Dallas's local rules
Dallas City Code Ch. 48A (Vehicle Tow Service), §48A-36 signage requirements.
Dallas has its own tow-service ordinance on top of state law - it is an offense to remove a vehicle other than an illegally parked or unauthorized one from private property.
Where to complain: Dallas 311 for a wrongful tow; TDLR complaint for fee/hearing issues.
How to dispute a tow in Dallas County
File a tow hearing within 14 business days at any Justice of the Peace court in Dallas County (filing fee about $20; hearing within 21 days). Bring the tow ticket, photos of the entrance signs, your lease + parking rules, and the receipt. If you win, you recover your tow + storage costs - and up to $1000 plus 3x the fees if the tow was knowing or intentional.
FAQ
How much can an apartment tow company charge in Dallas, TX?
Dallas follows the Texas nonconsent-tow fee caps. For a standard vehicle under 10,000 lbs: the tow is capped at about $272, storage at about $22.85/day, notification up to $50, and a drop fee (if you catch it before it leaves) up to $135. Dallas has its own tow-service ordinance on top of state law - it is an offense to remove a vehicle other than an illegally parked or unauthorized one from private property.
How do I dispute an apartment tow in Dallas?
You have 14 business days from the tow to request a tow hearing at any Justice of the Peace court in Dallas County (where the car was towed). The filing fee is about $20 and the hearing is held within 21 days. If the tow was knowing or intentional and unlawful, you can recover up to $1000 plus 3x the fees. Complaints: Dallas 311 for a wrongful tow; TDLR complaint for fee/hearing issues.
Can my Dallas apartment tow my car for expired registration?
Generally no, not solely for that. Under Texas Occupations Code §2308.253, a resident's vehicle cannot be towed only for expired registration or plates without the required posted notice and process. Parking rules must also be given to you before you sign the lease (Texas Property Code §92.0131).
General information about Texas law, not legal advice. Fee caps are CPI-indexed - confirm current figures with TDLR.