Can I Claim my Condo Neighbor’s Unused Parking Space?

W.W. from outside of Connecticut writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

If a condo owner is no longer a resident on the property and is selling the condo, can anyone with a handicap Placard claim that Parking spot that’s not being used?

Mister Condo replies:

W.W., I am getting lots of handicapped parking questions this week. I am not surprised as parking in general is a hot topic at condominiums all across the country. The short answer is “no”. As a unit owner or resident, you have no authority to commandeer a parking space and claim it as your own; even if that means using a handicapped placard to do so. The proper procedure is to petition the Board and ask for a handicapped parking space. If the parking space vacated by the unit owner is deeded to that unit, the Board cannot just claim it as a handicapped space; it belongs to that unit owner. That doesn’t mean you cannot speak with that unit owner and come to terms over the use of the space while the unit is for sale but don’t be surprised if he would prefer to keep the parking space available for realtors or possible buyers who will want to park there when they come to inspect the unit.

All the best!