4 ms·

How can this possibly work for the owner of the apartment complex? They deny a parking permit extension, the person loses their car, the person loses their job

by rapjr9 2y ago

How can this possibly work for the owner of the apartment complex? They deny a parking permit extension, the person loses their car, the person loses their job because they don't have a car, the person can't pay their rent because they don't have a job, and the apartment complex is out a tenant and loses money until they get a new tenant. Everyone loses including the towing company which says selling the cars does not cover their costs.

shaftway 2y ago
> They deny a parking permit extension Probably done by a rank-and-file employee who doesn't have the authority. I'd probably deny an extension too if it meant risking my job. And the person who denied it probably isn't affected by a vacancy in the complex. > the person can't pay their rent because they don't have a job A significant number of people prioritize housing over food and health. A totally rational choice if you're in that situation, as it's much harder to work your way back into housing when you don't have one. Also, CT can be very cold in the winter. Often the apartment complex can use this on their taxes as loss of goods or service, so they don't get zero. And it is debt that can be sued for in court. > the apartment complex is out a tenant and loses money until they get a new tenant If they have a waiting list for apartments then they can make more money by flipping the apartment more often. Charging for cleaning that isn't done. Using a cleaning service owned by the same company with higher fees. Claiming to replace carpets when they don't. Or just by holding last month's rent or security deposit. People who can't pay for a towed car often don't have the means to fight these things very effectively. > Everyone loses including the towing company which says selling the cars does not cover their costs The article mentions that towing companies regularly under-value the car on DMV forms. It also mentions that they have been known to sell it for more than they claim and pocket the difference. And if you've every had a car towed, you'll know the fees they charge are based more on what they think you can pay, not actual costs.

by rapjr9 2y ago

shaftway 2y ago

> They deny a parking permit extension Probably done by a rank-and-file employee who doesn't have the authority. I'd probably deny an extension too if it meant risking my job. And the person who denied it probably isn't affected by a vacancy in the complex. > the person can't pay their rent because they don't have a job A significant number of people prioritize housing over food and health. A totally rational choice if you're in that situation, as it's much harder to work your way back into housing when you don't have one. Also, CT can be very cold in the winter. Often the apartment complex can use this on their taxes as loss of goods or service, so they don't get zero. And it is debt that can be sued for in court. > the apartment complex is out a tenant and loses money until they get a new tenant If they have a waiting list for apartments then they can make more money by flipping the apartment more often. Charging for cleaning that isn't done. Using a cleaning service owned by the same company with higher fees. Claiming to replace carpets when they don't. Or just by holding last month's rent or security deposit. People who can't pay for a towed car often don't have the means to fight these things very effectively. > Everyone loses including the towing company which says selling the cars does not cover their costs The article mentions that towing companies regularly under-value the car on DMV forms. It also mentions that they have been known to sell it for more than they claim and pocket the difference. And if you've every had a car towed, you'll know the fees they charge are based more on what they think you can pay, not actual costs.