In apartment management, not only indoor troubles but also parking lot troubles often occur. The incidents range from unauthorized parking, incorrectly designated parking spaces, collisions with vehicles, over-parking, vehicle break-ins, and non-payment of parking fees.
Parking lot troubles are a topic that tends to be emotionally charged between the parties involved. If the owner directly warns the owner, the conflict may deepen. The important thing is to coordinate the initial response with the management company, preserve evidence, and document the rules.
In this article, we will summarize the problems that tend to occur in apartment parking lots and the actions that owners and management companies should take from a practical perspective.
Reasons why parking lot troubles tend to occur
The parking lot is a common space used by residents every day. Since it is close to people's livelihoods and involves expensive possessions such as cars, even a small misunderstanding can lead to major dissatisfaction.
| Causes that are likely to occur | Specific examples |
|---|---|
| Difficult to understand plot display | Numbers are faint and cannot be seen at night |
| Ambiguous usage rules | Handling of visitor parking, motorcycles, and bicycles |
| No evidence left | No security cameras, no patrol records |
| Weak line of communication with the management company | I don't know who to contact |
| Owner responds directly | Stronger sense of ownership |
Parking spaces are ancillary facilities of rental properties, and at the same time, they are subject to contract management. Just like the residential part, contracts, terms of use, notices, patrols, and records are required.
Response to unauthorized parking
Unauthorized parking is one of the most frequently consulted problems. If a contractor is unable to park in their own lot, their livelihood will be directly affected.
Initial response
- Record vehicle number, model, color, date and time, and parking location
- Take a photo
- Contact the management company
- Check if the vehicle is a contractor or a visitor.
- Encourage movement with notices and warnings
- If it happens again, consider consulting with the police or a lawyer.
The owner should be careful not to tow the car away, strongly paste stickers on the car, or lock the tires without permission. Unauthorized parking is a nuisance, but if handled incorrectly, there is a risk that the owner may be required to pay compensation for damages.
Precautions
- Repaint the lot number to make it easier to read
- Introducing stickers for subscribers
- Specify visitor parking areas
- Post a sign prohibiting unauthorized parking
- Post the management company's contact information
Response to contact accidents and hit-and-runs
If two cars collide in a parking lot, it is generally treated as an accident between the parties involved. However, the management side has the role of preserving evidence and preventing recurrence.
| What the administrator should do | Reason |
|---|---|
| Encourage those involved to contact the police and insurance company | For accident proof and insurance support |
| Preserve security camera footage | Prevent loss of evidence |
| Record the site situation | Check the lot width, lighting, and road surface condition |
| Check for equipment defects | Check for possible management responsibility |
| Do not get too involved in settlements between the parties | Avoid turning into a civil dispute |
If the accident is caused by poor management, such as lights being out, lot lines missing, or large differences in the road surface, the ownership responsibility of the owner may become an issue. It is important to keep records of regular patrols.
Parking in the wrong area/wrong parking area
Parking on the wrong side of the road or parking in the wrong lot will not immediately cause a serious accident, but if left unaddressed, dissatisfaction among tenants will accumulate.
In response, the first step is to improve rules and area markings, rather than blaming individuals.
- Repaint lot lines
- Install and adjust car stops
- Specify areas where large vehicles are not allowed
- Check the contract area with the contract and guide map
- The management company will give you gentle warnings for the first time.
If the same tenant repeats the problem, we will issue a written warning and consider what to do if the problem is not improved in accordance with the contract terms.
Car break-in/crime prevention trouble
Breaking into a car is a criminal act. If any damage occurs, we urge you to first report it to the police. The management company will maintain security camera footage, check lighting conditions, and alert other tenants.
Effective preventive measures include security cameras, sensor lights, improved visibility, planting management, and notices. However, installing security cameras is not the end of the story. It is necessary to arrange the recording period, video viewing authority, privacy considerations, and notices.
| Crime prevention measures | Points |
|---|---|
| Security camera | Position where the entire parking lot and entrance can be photographed |
| Sensor light | Reduce blind spots at night |
| Plant pruning | Avoid creating hiding places |
| Patrol records | Early detection of abnormalities |
| Notice | Demonstrate crime prevention awareness and management attitude |
Dealing with unpaid parking fees
Records and procedures for unpaid parking fees are just as important as for rent arrears. If you rely only on verbal reminders, you will not know what happened later.
- Check the unpaid month and amount
- The management company will remind you in writing or by email.
- Specify payment deadline
- If there is a split consultation, draw up a written agreement
- Consider canceling the parking contract if there is no payment for a long period of time.
- If your vehicle is abandoned, consult a specialist.
If the housing rental contract and parking lot contract are separate contracts, the cancellation procedures and handling will be different. Check the terms of your contract to avoid emotional suspension or forced removal.
Must be specified in the contract/terms of use
In order to reduce parking lot troubles, it is essential to have rules in place at the time of contract.
| Items to be included | Contents |
|---|---|
| Parcel number | Clarify available parcels |
| Vehicles used | Notification when changing license plate and vehicle type |
| Visitor parking | Availability/time/location |
| Prohibited acts | Unauthorized subletting, abandoned vehicles, repair work |
| Accident liability | Processing between parties and scope of management |
| Dealing with unpaid bills | Demands, cancellations, and late payment fees |
| Security cameras | Installation purpose and video handling |
Even if it is written in the contract, it will not work if the tenant has not read it. It is effective to give the parking lot map and rules when you move in, and explain only the important points.
I also want to read
- Role of real estate management company and decision on change | Management contract structure and timing of review that owners should know
- Importance of integrated management/brokerage operation to improve occupancy rate
- What is the duty of care for rental properties? Violation risks and practical countermeasures explained by management professionals
INA&Associates' philosophy
Parking problems can greatly affect the impression of a property. Even if the inside of the apartment is clean, if there is a sense of unfairness or anxiety in the parking lot, tenant satisfaction will drop.
We do not think of parking lot management as a matter of simply renting out vacant lots. By establishing rules, evidence, patrols, and lines of communication, you can prevent unnecessary conflicts between tenants and reduce management risks for owners.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can you tow away a car that is parked without permission?
Should be avoided. Even if the vehicle is parked without permission, there is a risk of compensation for damages if the vehicle is moved without permission. Please consult with the management company, the police, and a lawyer if necessary.
Q. Do I need the tenant's consent to use security cameras?
It is easy to install it for security purposes in common areas, but privacy needs to be considered. It is recommended that the shooting range, purpose, and video management be clarified and posted.
Q. Is the owner responsible for collisions in the parking lot?
It is usually a matter between the parties. However, if management deficiencies, such as poor lighting or missing lot lines, are involved in the accident, management liability may become an issue.
Q. What should I do if my parking fee continues to be unpaid?
We will keep reminder records and proceed with payment deadlines and cancellation procedures in accordance with the contract. If your vehicle is abandoned, please consult a professional.
