For people who own a car, securing parking is an important factor when choosing a rental property. If the property does not have parking or the fee is high, parking-sharing services have become a strong option in recent years. This article explains in detail how parking sharing works, along with its advantages, disadvantages, and recommended services.
How can you secure parking for a rental property?
To secure parking for a rental property, there are mainly two options: "find a property with parking" or "rent a nearby monthly parking space."
Find a property with parking
Properties with on-site parking are convenient, but a separate contract is required, and you cannot use it if no spaces are available.Depending on the type of vehicle, some spaces may not be usable, such as those limited to compact cars or mechanical parking systems. In addition to the monthly rent, initial costs such as deposit and key money may also apply, so it is essential to confirm the total cost.
Look for nearby monthly parking
If the property’s parking is expensive or full, consider a monthly parking space. To obtain a parking certificate, you must secure a parking space within a straight-line distance of 2 km from your home.It is also important to confirm before signing the contract that the space can accommodate your vehicle’s size.
What problems can arise in parking areas, and how can you address them?
Various problems can arise in the parking areas of rental properties. It is important to understand preventive measures in advance.
Measures against unauthorized parking
Unauthorized parking is one of the most common problems in rental parking areas.If you discover it, contact the management company or landlord and ask them to handle it. Avoid moving the vehicle yourself, as this may create liability for damages. Installing traffic cones or security cameras can also be effective preventive measures.
Hit-and-run incidents and vehicle break-ins
If you become a victim of a hit-and-run or a vehicle break-in, report it to the police immediately.Choosing a parking area with security cameras can reduce the risk of damage.Not leaving valuables inside the vehicle is also a basic precaution.
Accidents inside the parking area
If an accident occurs inside the parking area, you must report it to the police just as you would on a public road.Accidents inside parking areas are often difficult when it comes to determining fault percentages, so installing a dashboard camera is recommended.
What is a parking-sharing service?
A parking-sharing service allows owners to rent out vacant parking spaces by the hour or by the day, while users can reserve and pay through a smartphone app or similar platform.It works by putting idle space owned by individuals or businesses to use, and it is often available at a lower cost than coin-operated parking.
Features of sharing services
- Easy search, reservation, and payment by smartphone
- Flexible time settings, such as 15-minute units or full-day units
- Advance reservations make it possible to secure a parking space with certainty
- Rates tend to be lower than coin-operated parking
What are the benefits of parking sharing?
Parking sharing offers benefits to both users and space providers.
Benefits for users
- Cost savings:It is often cheaper than coin-operated parking
- Advance reservation:You can secure parking with certainty, eliminating the stress of searching for an available space
- Convenience:Everything from search to payment is completed in the app
- Wider area options:There are many choices, including vacant spaces at private homes
Benefits for space providers
- Use of idle assets:You can earn income from parking spaces during times when they are not in use
- Low initial cost:You can start without special capital investment
- Flexible operation:You can freely set the times and dates when the space is available
What are the drawbacks of parking sharing?
Even though parking sharing is convenient, there are drawbacks you should keep in mind.
Drawbacks for users
- Location instability:The space may suddenly become unavailable due to the provider’s circumstances
- Concerns about facilities:Private parking spaces may have insufficient lighting or security cameras
- Trouble response:Support systems for disputes between users vary depending on the service
Drawbacks for space providers
- Accident risk:Questions of liability if an accident occurs inside the parking space
- Manners-related issues:Problems that arise when users have poor manners
- Fees:Service fees are deducted from revenue
Which parking-sharing services are recommended?
Here is a comparison of the main parking-sharing services used in Japan.
| Service name | Features | Coverage area |
|---|---|---|
| akippa | Large number of registered parking spaces and available in 15-minute units | Nationwide |
| Toku-P | Fees are among the lowest in the industry, making it advantageous for providers | Nationwide |
| Nokisaki Parking | Strong around event venues, with reservations mainly by the day | Nationwide |
| Times no B | Operated by major company Times and highly reliable | Nationwide |
What should you watch out for when using parking sharing?
To use parking sharing safely, pay attention to the following points.
Check the contract details
Check the terms of use, cancellation policy, and whether insurance is provided in advance.Some services also include vehicle insurance.
Inspect the site in person
If possible, check the parking space on site before using it for the first time.Ease of access from the road, suitability for your vehicle size, and safety of the surrounding environment are important points to check.
Use the service with proper manners
Be sure to keep to your reserved time, take your trash with you, and avoid causing noise, among other considerations, and do not forget to be considerate of the provider and nearby residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can parking sharing replace a monthly parking contract?
A. If you use it frequently, the cost may become high. We recommend comparing it with a monthly parking contract based on how often you use it.
Q. Can I obtain a parking certificate through parking sharing?
A. In principle, you cannot obtain a parking certificate through parking sharing.If you need a parking certificate, you will need a monthly parking contract.
Q. What should I do if a problem occurs?
A. First, contact the customer support of the service you are using. If there has been an accident, you also need to report it to the police.
Q. What is the typical price range for parking sharing?
A. It varies by area, but in urban areas a rough guide is about JPY 500 to JPY 1,500 per day. It tends to be 20% to 50% cheaper than coin-operated parking.
