What Happens If Someone Leaves a Car on Your Property?
By Jorge Vazquez, CEO, Graystone Investment Group
Quick Answer
If someone leaves a car on your property, don’t just tow it or try to sell it.
First, find out if the car has a lien (meaning a bank still has a loan on it).
That one step can save you a lot of time and trouble.
I learned this from a phone call that changed how I look at abandoned vehicles.
Why This Matters
After more than 25 years in real estate, I thought I had seen everything.
We’ve dealt with bad tenants.
We’ve dealt with squatters.
We’ve even found a gun inside one of our rental properties.
Then one of our landlords called us.
Someone had left a car at the property.
I thought,
“Easy. We’ll just call a tow truck.”
I was wrong.
The Phone Call
I called one of the vendors helping us secure the property.
He’s dealt with hundreds of abandoned houses and problem properties.
I asked him,
“What do we do with this car?”
His answer surprised me.
He said,
“The first thing you need to know is whether the car has a lien.”
I had never thought about that.
What’s a Lien?
A lien simply means a bank or finance company still owns part of the car because there is a loan on it.
If the owner stopped making payments, the lender still has rights to the vehicle.
That changes what you should do next.
Step 1: Check the VIN
Every car has a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).
Think of it like the car’s fingerprint.
You can use the VIN to see if there is a lien on the vehicle.
This is always the first step.
If the Car Has a Lien
This is usually the easier situation.
The towing company can notify the bank or finance company.
If they don’t come get the car within the time allowed by law, the towing company can usually move forward with the next steps.
For you, it means less work.
If the Car Does NOT Have a Lien
This takes a little longer.
You have to find the owner.
Then send them a certified letter telling them to remove the car.
If they don’t respond within the time allowed, you may be able to start the process of getting permission from the state to take ownership of the vehicle.
Every case is different, so always follow Florida law.
My Biggest Lesson
The biggest lesson wasn’t about the car.
It was about asking the right person.
One phone call saved me from making a mistake.
That’s why I always tell investors to build a good team.
A good contractor.
A good property manager.
A good attorney.
A good towing company.
Sometimes, their experience is worth more than anything you can find on Google.
Common Mistakes
- Calling a tow truck before checking the VIN.
- Thinking you automatically own the car because it’s on your property.
- Not keeping records.
- Guessing instead of following the law.
- Waiting too long to deal with the problem.
Key Takeaways
✅ Check the VIN first.
✅ Find out if there is a lien.
✅ Follow the legal process.
✅ Keep copies of everything.
✅ Ask for help if you’re not sure.
Final Thoughts
Real estate isn’t just about buying houses.
It’s about solving problems.
Sometimes the problem is a roof leak.
Sometimes it’s a bad tenant.
And sometimes it’s a car that someone abandoned in your driveway.
I learned something new from this experience, and I hope it helps you avoid the same mistake if it ever happens to you.
Learn More
If you own rental property, these articles may also help:
- How to Choose the Right Property Management Company
https://graystoneig.com/articles/how-to-choose-a-property-management-company/ - Don’t Expect Your Tenant to Fix Your Rental Property
https://rental4income.com/dont-expect-your-tenant-to-fix-your-rental-property - What Is a Good Return on a Real Estate Investment?
https://graystoneig.com/articles/what-is-a-good-return-on-real-estate-investment/
Helpful Florida Resource
If you need to check whether a vehicle has a lien or verify ownership information, start with the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website:
Your local towing company or county tax collector’s office can also help explain the proper procedure for abandoned vehicles.
Have Questions About Your Rental Property?
At Graystone Investment Group, we’ve managed hundreds of rental properties throughout the Tampa Bay area. Over the years we’ve dealt with everything from abandoned vehicles and difficult tenants to major rehabs and unexpected surprises.
If you’re facing a situation like this and aren’t sure what to do next, don’t guess. A quick conversation with someone who has been through it before can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
Every property has challenges. The key is knowing how to solve them the right way.
Learn More About Rental Property Management & Renovations