Your HOA Sent a Notice About a Junk Car: What to Do

• The car it describes. Is the description right, and is it really yours?
• The rule it says you broke, by section number.
• The date you have to fix it by, and how they will check.
• Any fine, and when it starts.
• Any mention of towing.
• How to respond or ask for a hearing, and by when.

Washington law on HOA enforcement powers is outside the sources we checked for this guide, so we will not tell you what your association can or cannot do. Your covenants and rules are the place to look. If you cannot find them, ask the manager for a copy.

Answer in writing, even if you have no plan yet. It shows good faith and it gives you a record. You can adapt this:

• “I received your notice dated [date] about my [year, make, model].”
• “Please send me the exact rule you are relying on and a copy of the current rules.”
• “I plan to [repair it / move it / sell it] by [date]. Please confirm in writing that this resolves the notice.”
• “If I need more time, who do I ask?”

Do not promise a date you cannot meet, and do not admit anything you are unsure of. If the car is not yours, say so.

• Get it running

  If the car is worth fixing, this may end the complaint. Get a written quote, then compare it with what the car is worth. Our repair or junk guide shows how to weigh it.

• Move it out of sight

  A garage may solve it. Check the rule first, since some rules look at the car’s condition and others only at where it can be seen.

• Store it elsewhere

  Paid storage buys time, but it costs money every month. If you are heading there, read our storage guide first.

• Sell it

  A private sale makes sense if the car still has real value. If it does not, a hauler can take it as is, without it running.

Take this seriously and do not ignore the date. Under RCW 46.55.080, a tow from private property needs signed authorization at the time and place, and the law sets the timing by property type. Ask your association which of those rules it is relying on, and whether your space is deeded, assigned or common.

If your car does get towed, the costs can climb quickly, and you have rights to a hearing and to get your belongings. Our impound guide explains them.

If the street outside is a public street, your HOA’s rules are only part of the picture. City limits on street parking apply there on their own, and the Seattle 72-hour rule is one example.

If fines are piling up or you believe the notice is wrong, this is a good time to talk to an attorney who handles community association matters.

• Your spouse died and the car is in their name. Start with the inherited car guide, and tell the association you are working through the estate.
• Your ex’s name is on it. You may need their signature. See junking a car not in your name.
• You rent from a unit owner. Tell your landlord right away, because the notice may go to them as well.
• There is a loan. The lender’s release has to come first. See selling with a lien.

We pick up from condo and apartment lots, and the car does not need to run. Ask your manager about gate codes and tow access before pickup day, and tell the association the date. Our apartment and condo guide covers that part. If you have your paperwork, you can call us at (206) 941-0612 or send up to 3 photos through the pickup form. Afterward, send your association a copy of your report of sale or a dated photo of the empty space to close the matter. See non-running car removal for details.