Parking while poor? Complex says it tows cars for being unsightly
WESTWOOD, Ohio (WKRC) - You've heard of DWI: driving while intoxicated. But how about PWP: parking while poor?
One local apartment complex has stringent regulations for its residents and visitors that are giving some people pause.
Dennis Day's 2001 Honda is no Bentley, but he was surprised when the other day he received a notice on his windshield after visiting a friend at a Westwood apartment complex.
"Basically, I just ran into the apartment to drop off a few boxes, came back out with a sticker on my car saying that my car did not meet their high standards," Day said.
The notice stated that due to damage on his car, it would be towed if he didn't move it within 24 hours.
"It was a huge slap in the face!” exclaimed Day.
Management at Montana Valley Apartments wouldn't go on camera but said cars on their property can't have rust, dents, flat tires or bad paint. When asked, "What do you say to people who can't afford a nice car or can't afford to get their car fixed?"
She answered, "We understand the policy is not for everyone."
The law is on the apartment complex's side. As long as you have the policies clearly posted, you can tow. Donny Elliott's cousin received a warning.
"To me, that's discrimination,” Elliott said. “I believe if you are a tenant and you're paying your rent, you shouldn't be harassed about your car. Everybody doesn't have the luxury and the money to have a nice car."
Local 12 posed that comment to the association that represents apartment complex owners in the area.
"It's up to each community what kind of clientele and marketing they want to have, and that's up to them to make that decision. If it narrows the market too much, they're going to pay a price for it,” said Charles Tassell, director of government affairs for the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Apartment Association.
Day says he won't be moving to Montana Valley anytime soon and unless he gets his car fixed, they're likely OK with that.
Montana Valley Apartments says it puts notices on cars daily and tows about three to four cars a week for violating its vehicle presentation policy.
EDITOR'S NOTE: We wanted to clarify something in the above story. The complex’s managers told Local 12 Wednesday they put notices on 3-4 cars a day. They tow, on average, 1-2 cars a month.
