Too Many Condo Units; Too Few Parking Spaces; No Parking Rules

J.T. from outside of Connecticut writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

Is there a designated number of visitors parking spaces needed when there is a combined condo building of 118 units? We have 18 spaces and I would like the one next to our vehicle deemed maintenance. There are visitors who park in this said space that stay for weeks, park too close to us, leak oil, etc..

Mister Condo replies:

J.T. for the most part, condominium associations and their common areas are considered private property and have no requirement to provide any parking. Of course, not too many folks would purchase a unit if they weren’t offered some parking so most condos either offer garages, assigned parking, or parking lots where unit owners, renters, and guests can domicile their vehicles. All of the parking problems you discuss – length of parking stay, improper parking within lines, oil discharge and more – are generally discussed in the association’s governance documents regarding parking. If your association documents are lax in this area, it is time to petition the Board of Directors to adopt and enforce parking regulations. No unit owner should be denied parking because another unit owner is abusing the privilege. Consult your governance documents, speak with your Board, and insist parking regulations be followed so that all residents can enjoy the parking areas. All the best!