W.W. from outside of Connecticut writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Is it ok that, in a condo association, my neighbor agreed to give me the liberty to switch my parking spot back to its original spot as I have a Handicap Placard and he doesn’t? They are new owners. Again, it’s a mutual agreement.
Mister Condo replies:
W.W., what a kind gesture of your neighbor to offer you the use of their parking space! However, unless the space is theirs to give, your Board may have the ultimate say in who is allowed to park there. In many condominium associations, the parking lots are actually common grounds and, as such, fall under the purview of the Board with regards to assignment and use. It is possible that the parking spaces are deeded (actually a part of the deed to the unit) in which case, the owner may be free to allow whoever they want to park in their space, including you. All that being said, review your deed and your governing documents to determine who owns the space and who can give permission for its use. It may be just as simple for you to petition the Board for a change in space or to designate a handicapped space that works just as well for you. All the best!
I recommend that you be really clear about whether this is a permanent/legal swap or just temporary. If it is permanent, make sure the association records it as such.
For example, when your unit (or theirs) is sold, which unit gets which spot? You don’t want to have to renegotiate with the next owner, or have to explain to the future buyer of your unit, why the spots are (or are not) switched.