Old tenant abandoned the car in the driveway

[Sachin Kapur]

My old tenant left his broken car in the driveway when he vacated the house about two months back. For the first month, every time I asked him to move the car, he kept on reassuring me that he will do it the next day. Since the last month, he has stopped responding to my messages and calls.

I reached out to the city's vehicle abatement office and they told me that since the car is on my driveway, they can't do much.

What are my options? The car is unlocked but there is no key and all tires are deflated.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Hans Suljic]

Hmmm here are a couple of options

1. Call the police, give them the make, model, vin, and where it is parked. In many states, the police will tow it away if they determine that the vehicle is abandoned, and If the car ends up being stolen the car will be seized no matter what state you live in.

2. Call a local towing company and explain the situation. See what kinda options they give you. I'm sure they have dealt with these types of situations before. They might have you put up a notice on the car that if it's not moved in a certain amount of time it will be seized and towed away.

3. Many junkyards will give you money for old cars and will pick them up for free as long as you have to title. I'm assuming you obviously don't have the title but I would call the tenant and leave a message saying so and so will give you 500 bucks for the car and all we need is the title. Money talks and he might actually get back to you if there is something in it for him.

If all else false put up a big sign that says FREE CAR and call it a day. 

GOOD LUCK!