Why Can’t I Long Term Park in the General Use Condo Parking Area?

M.M. from Fairfield County writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

Is there a definition of “long-term” parking in CT? I travel a lot and have leases on my unit. I have one deeded space that is included in the tenant’s lease, and I park my vehicle in the general spots with my second parking pass. I have received a tow notice for violating the no “long-term” parking provision in the rules. I do use the car, but not daily. It’s more like every week or two. I feel I’m being singled out by the condo manager.

Mister Condo replies:

M.M., my guess is that you are not being singled out by the condo manager but that you have, in fact, violated your community’s rules about use of the general spots. Most community associations I am familiar with limit their guest parking areas to 24 or 48 contiguous hours. They do this so they don’t end up with unsightly cars abandoned in their parking lots. There is no definition of “long-term” parking as it applies to private property which is what the general parking lot of your community association is. In some ways you have answered your own question by alluding to the rules. You should review them and determine what your long-term parking options are. One thing you might consider is using your dedicated spot for your own use. There are no restrictions on how long you can park your own car in your own space. Then you could simply have your tenant use the general lot, being sure to advise your tenant of the parking rules so they don’t inadvertently violate the rules and end up having their car towed while they went away for a week’s vacation. One other solution may be to rent a permanent space from a unit owner who is not using their dedicated space. That may or may not be convenient but it may solve your dilemma. Good luck!