Can a Condo Owner Give Away an Assigned Parking Space to a Neighbor?

R.W. from Illinois writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

I live in the SW suburbs of Oak Lawn, IL and wanted to know if you could help me. We have a resident who doesn’t drive and I was told she gave permission for the companion of a resident to park there. I don’t think this is fair since then they would have two spaces while everyone else has only one. I was wondering if this is allowed or if it depends on the specific condo bylaws. Thanks.

Mister Condo replies:

R.W., as your question implies, parking at condominiums is a challenge clear across the nation. That’s not surprising given our propensity for multiple vehicles and the relative few parking spaces that condo developments usually afford. Unless there is a specific rule in your condo docs that forbids a unit owner from allowing another unit owner from using their assigned parking space there is no issue with the unit owner who granted use of their space to your fellow resident’s companion. Residents who don’t drive still have the use of their assigned parking space to with as they see fit, provided they aren’t violating any of the condo rules. From what you’ve told me, I don’t see anything wrong with the situation as described. All the best!