The American Repossessor

The Leeds City Council held a public hearing on Monday night to discuss a zoning ordinance regarding automobile repossession companies. The council discussed issues such as how long vehicles would be allowed on the premises and how they are exposed to the general public.

The ordinance describes those companies as “An establishment including office and outdoor vehicle storage area, which repossess automobiles and light trucks and returns them to titleholders when warranted by the terms of the sale or leasing agreement. Such automobiles and light trucks shall not be stored on the premises for more 30 days and shall remain licensed and operable while on the premises. The outdoor storage area shall be securely fenced and all repossessed vehicles shall be stored within the fenced area. Heavy trucks, construction equipment, boats and similar vehicles and equipment shall not be stored on the premises.”

David McLaughlin with United Recovery Bureau explained that there is not a way to put a time limit on holding the vehicles. “We have held vehicles for more than a year or two,” he said. “The state requires that if you get a lien, that can take up to six months.” McLaughlin added that his company will repossess anything with wheels, that is mobile, but that most aren’t held longer than 15 days. “We try to do everything by the book,” he said. “I want to keep my business. I love Leeds.”