Ashland, MA asked in Municipal Law and Small Claims for Massachusetts

Q: What are the laws around visitor parking in communities?

My car got towed from visitor parking spot in the “The Chase at Overlook Ridge” in Revere, MA. The spot had a sign stating “Visitor Parking - unauthorized vehicles will be towed at owners expense”. When I went to take my car from the towing company, they said the building management hs a rule that they need parking pass from 4-8pm. The parking sign did not provide this information. Is this my fault? If not, is there a way to take this to court or any other recommendation to get my money back?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
Answered
  • Boston, MA
  • Licensed in Massachusetts

A: G.L. c. 266 s. 120D covers towing from private parking lots and prohibits towing except in certain circumstances. https://plus.lexis.com/document/?pdmfid=1530671&crid=514206ab-b2fa-4174-8be5-e18092f2fba9&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A5FFB-G2W1-6HMW-V0XX-00000-00&pdtocnodeidentifier=AAEAABAABAAFAGS&ecomp=dfJkk&prid=d01f0e10-98a0-420a-beb7-754e27e7e55a

You should review this statute and send the Overlook a copy with a demand letter but be prepared to file a small claims action. I doubt the building would pay you voluntarily. Also, there may be something further about parking rules for this location.

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