Tenant parking problems can really become a serious nuisance for landlords. That is, if you don't get control over it in the beginning.
For our second installment in our Landlord Problem Solving Tip Sheet, we've including parking. This is a problem that can grow to unbelievable frustration if allowed to fester.
Tenant parking problem #1 :Tenants fighting over parking spaces.
If your space is tight, you will need to register each car owned by your tenants. Assign them a parking space so they know where they are supposed to park.
This will also help you keep out deadbeats who may move in with your tenants. If you don't allow sub-renting you certainly shouldn't have a bunch of new people moving in under your radar. This is dangerous and they will take up other people's parking spots. And they can potentially cause worse problems.
Tenant Parking Problem #2: The old guzzler that won't run
I know what you're thinking. Your tenants are too upscale. It won't happen to you.
Wrong. We used to think that too, until it did happen- twice. Right now we've got one old Honda with three flat tires sitting in front of one of our townhouse duplexes. Nope, it doesn't beautify the neighborhood.
Tenants will have a much greater incentive to get that junk car gone if you remind them they won't be getting their deposit back if it stays. It is amazing how creative your tenants can get when motivated.
Tenant Parking Problem #3: The Stolen Car
Yep, this has happened to us too, I'm embarrassed to report.
A rather nice Chevrolet was parked in front of one of our units and we had not registered it. It stayed there throughout the lease of the tenant living in that unit. That tenant never complained about it, so we assumed it belonged to him.
Never assume. When we finally called the police we found out it has been stolen. The theives has left it there, but it was still in very good shape and unharmed.
All this brings me back to the conclusion that proper vehicle registration will solve all of these problems. When a car is parked in the same spot for too long, you will be able to ask questions and get answers.
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