Restricting Vehicles When Street Parking is Legal

[Dane Reynolds]

I reached the lease signing stage with potential tenants, but we hit a snag regarding the three-vehicle restriction.

They own a construction company and currently keep all their vehicles at home. This amounts to six automobiles, likely trucks, along with several utility trailers in addition. The tenants agreed to park no more than three vehicles in the driveway, while the rest would be parked on the street. They are fully aware that parking on the grass is illegal, both according to city regulations and the lease terms.

To be thorough, I contacted the city to confirm if there were any rules limiting the number of vehicles someone could park on the street. The city confirmed that there are no such restrictions.

Now, I’m trying to decide whether to move forward with the lease, knowing that their vehicles will be parked up and down the street in a quiet neighborhood. There's nothing illegal about their plan, and honestly, I’m fortunate they were upfront about the number of vehicles. They could have just signed the lease, limited themselves to three vehicles in the driveway, and stayed compliant without saying anything.

If the property hadn’t been vacant for over two months, I’d probably pass on this situation. But they meet every other qualification for the lease, so I’m really torn on what to do.

Who's got the right answer here?!? 

[Bill B.]

They sound like stand up tenants. Like you said they didn’t have to say anything. Is the area so small that 3 vehicles will really screw up the area? If it’s crowded they’re the ones that will have to park farther away and walk. 

I’d just remind the tenants that if the city changes their policy they’ll have to park farther away or find another solution and keep only 3 on your property. I don’t see a “you” problem.