Parking & Tenant Advice Needed

[Calvin Kwan]

Hi,

I own a triplex in Oakland, CA. and each unit has 1 spot dedicated.  One of my units is a 3bd w/ 2 female roommates currently occupying.  Recently, one of the roommates asked if she could park her car in the parking lot as there was an armed mugging in the neighborhood.  A few months ago, there was another armed mugging right next door.  My parking area can technically fit a 4th car, but it would be tight and make maneuvering for other tenant cars more difficult.

Should I accommodate this request?  The property is in a B neighborhood (near Lake Merritt), but it's Oakland and crime is always going to be an issue.  They are new tenants paying market rent and I do want to keep them long-term.  I would also feel horrible if anything happened from a safety standpoint.  She offered just to park there in the evening, but I'm guessing if I agree to this, it would probably be permanent. 

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Calvin

[Nathan Gesner]

No. What if another tenant also feels unsafe and wants a fifth spot? Would you let them park on the lawn?

If they feel unsafe, they need to figure out how to protect themselves. They'll get more traction from mace and a little self-defense training than they will parking 20 feet closer to the building.