Landlord from Addison, IL · Member since 2017 · 55 posts · 5 votes
Tenant complains that is treated unfairly because he has only one spot. There is no overnight parking on the street. She actually got a ticket for overnight parking and wants us to pay for being ticketed. I feel I am pushed by this tenant to solve her problem with parking. It's a new problem, we are new landlords, and kind of confused. How do you solve problems like this?
Rental Property Investor · The Vampire State · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
8y
Is there a spot around the corner that allows overnight parking? That's what my tenants do, as all but one of my properties does not have any off-street parking.
You've got to love this pervasive mentality these days of the lack of personal responsibility. YOU didn't make them park their car illegally.
I'm assuming these are tenants you placed yourself. If they are inherited, they knew the situation long before you did, and are just trying to give you a hard time as the new owner.
I would explain to them that it's the municipality's rule, not yours - and despite the fact you are just as frustrated - you, just like your tenant, are powerless to change the situation as you must abide by the existing rules and laws.
If the tenant is claiming that this was not disclosed up front during lease-up, offer to let them out of their lease early. Then, remarket the apartment (this time of year should be easy to find new tenants) and disclose in the ad and in the lease about the parking.
Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2017 · 353 posts · 223 votes
8y
I would number each spot for the corresponding unit and rent one with only one off street parking spot.
I'm not sure I like the idea of charging rent for each spot as this would assume you may be able to increase rents which may or may not be the case. It seems like something that should be included if required by the city.
You might need to charge a different rent for units with 1 or 2 spots but you will need to determine if you can increase rents to charge for a space or figure out the most fair way to take a spot away from a tenant.
if the city does not allow on street parking, I think it is on the landlord to ensure they have appropriate parking for the tenants.
In a 4 unit you are not responsible for providing any more than one spot per unit. Having 3 extra spaces is a luxury. If all your tenants each have two vehicles then the last tenant to rent only gets one space. When tenants move out the tenant with one space will have the option of being assigned a second space and the then new tennat will only get one space.
For your complaining tenant do not pay the ticket, go to the property and locate the nearest location for over night street parking and tell here that is where she can park. Suggest to her that you will release her from the lease if she desires. If she moves out the next tenant will start fresh knowing there is only one parking space. Having her move out would be your best option.
Landlord from Addison, IL · Member since 2017 · 55 posts · 5 votes
8y
there is no overnight parking in the city of Addison, Il. We didn't know that since we don't live there. Our tenants living there for last 3 years, got a new car and ask as for where to park. We told them on the street (this is why we feel guilty for that ticket) and that's how we learn. There are no signs on the street that says no parking, I called the police and they told me that rules reg. overnight parking is written on the internet, new residents should know this when they move in. All my tenants are inherited. We became owners of this building on Dec.1, 17 As far as number each spot: I have to find out more about it, I see other landlords don't do this, I don't know why. I didn't have a chance to meet other landlords yet.
Tenant complains that is treated unfairly because he has only one spot. There is no overnight parking on the street. She actually got a ticket for overnight parking and wants us to pay for being ticketed. I feel I am pushed by this tenant to solve her problem with parking. It's a new problem, we are new landlords, and kind of confused. How do you solve problems like this?
What does the lease say? Does the lease address this issue. I always like to point them to what we have agreed in writing. I agree with previous posters saying that you do it once, you will set precedence.
Landlord from Addison, IL · Member since 2017 · 55 posts · 5 votes
8y
Paying her parking tickets it’s not an option. Now, the old lease is very simple and parkings are not even mentioned, it’s from previous owner. Now, their new leases are coming soon and we will assign them parkings, or replace tenants, of course all depends on their conformity with their situations. We’ve got an idea.
Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 22 posts · 12 votes
8y
Hello @Lena S., I'm located 5 min away from your property. I'm in Wood Dale IL.
Like others have said, don't pay for the ticket or anytime a tenant gets a ticket they will come looking for money from you. I know Addison has some parking issues by many of the apartment areas., I'm not sure if your building already has a professional towing company contact, but make sure you are setup with one. Sometimes tenants or visitors from other buildings park illegally and then your tenants won't have anywhere to park. So you might get those late night calls on where they should park or they'll want you to tow the cars that are in their spaces.
This also brings up another point that you should have assigned spaces for your tenants. If you let anyone park where they want, you won't know if the cars belong to your tenants or your neighbors tenants. This also helps in the winter where tenants with assigned spaces will shovel their own spots and not have to worry that someone will take it once they are gone.