Topic: Permit Only Resident Parking

Is anyone out there doing "permit / resident only" parking? If so, do you have a lease addendum our parking rules you would be willing to share?

Hey, Vickie--I don't currently work with any properties with permit-only parking; however, in the past I have converted sites to this system (especially if there is a shortage of off-street parking or if there are too many unauthorized overnight guests).

It is fairly simple to do.
1) Give a 30-day notice of the change (other than any spaces that are already assigned on a term Lease) in writing (post memos and deliver one to each resident).
2) Order stickers (more permanent, but also more work) or hang tags (more convenient but more easily lost--or supposedly lost in order to get additional hang tags).
3) Set up a time to hand them out to residents. It helps to have a grace period before you begin actively enforcing this.
4) Set up a system for monitoring. (E.g. what will you do if someone is parked in your lot without a sticker/hang tab?)

Good luck!
Jim

Thanks Jim,

I'm sure this will take a lot of up front effort to make it work for everyone (management and residents), but with our limited parking, should be worth it in the end.

Vickie--you are totally welcome. It does take some effort and organization up front. You will have to demonstrate to your 'solid 80% residents' (those you want to retain) that it is a benefit. If they are having a hard time finding parking and a sticker/hang tag will guarantee that they get it, they will appreciate it.

As with any change, be prepared for grumbling. That's why it is always good to let people know what to expect up-front. And remember, keep smiling!

Good luck!

Like Jim, I've implemented resident only permit parking at several sites and taken many of those same steps. We have only used the hanging permits because it is easier for residents to move from one car to another if they change cars. We haven't been as concerned over which car had the permit, just that every car on the lot had a permit.

We found that with stickers more residents were getting duplicates because the "car was in the shop", "got a new car" and a myriad of excuses to get an extra permit for guests. With the hanging tags they can easily move the tag from their car in the shop to the rental car, etc.

In addition, we have always had a replacement fee for tags of $50 for "lost" tags. This has generally helped us be successful at discouraging residents from trying to get extra tags or failing to return them at move out.

Just wanted to know how do you keep track who has a permit? Do you walk the property to tag cars or do you have an agreement with a tow truck company?
I've been wanting to implement the parking permit to help alleviate over night guests who take up precious parking spaces. (we don't have assigned parking)
Any information is greatly apprecaited

Keeping track of your permits issued is a matter of utilizing your property management software or setting it up in an Excel program. It isn't too difficult, and you would keep the Permit Parking Agreemnet addendum in the resident's file as well. The laws regarding towing are tricky and ambiguous in many areas. However, once you decide to issue parking permits for your property, you definitely need signage posted (usually your tow company provides this). Signage must include the name of the towing company, the address, phone number and hours so that should a car be towed, the person can refer to that in order to get their car out of impound.

Your residents must be educated in this process. I have found many residents ignore your warning letters and emails stating you are implementing the policy until something happens and suddenly their car is "missing" when they go out to get into it. And then it is YOUR fault and you are liable for their expense, in their eyes. It's important to work with a reputable tow company and to understand the laws regarding towing in your area.

I can promise you this - once the residents understand that cars are towed, they will get with your program really fast.

We have 29 parking spaces for 32 units that are 2 and 3 bedrooms. We allow one permit per adult driver in the household with a maximum of 2. There is no where else to park. Our biggest problem is overnight guests, as well. It also helps us identify unauthorized occupants.

Our permits are large, bright and glow in the dark. This makes it easy for the towing company to drive through and see an illegally parked vehicle. This is referred to "predatory towing." We also allow any vehicle with a handicap permit (resident or not) to park in the resident's reserved area.

We have a master list in excel with the vehicle tag, description, unit # and resident it is registered to. We had one resident who would transfer her sticker to her unauthorized occupant during the day so they could leave their car.

Didn't take long for maintenance staff to uncover that one with the master list.

Will anyone share their letter to apartment residents regarding their reason (other than security) for implementing a parking permit procedure.

I just made an announcement that our community was implementing a permit parking system. I outlined what the Resident was expected to do to comply so their vehicle was not towed.

We just gave permission for our towing company to tow specific types of vehicles. We gave out notices to our residents three plus weeks ago, asking to update their vehicle information first. We then sent out a notice, to every door, stating that all vehicles must have parking tabs, not have flat tires etc., and have up-to-date state registration tabs. So far they have towed a dozen or more vehicles. Most of the residents are understanding, but of course, there are a few that are upset. We remind them of the notices sent, as well as the parking addendum they signed along with their lease. When all is said and done,the majority of the residents are happy with the process. This may be necessary to ensure that residents have a place to park when they get home and are not forced to park in the street.
Note: We do have a designated guest parking area.

Hi ..can anyone help me my sister has a vehicle with a permit pass and it was on the dash everything is in her name so they want $75.00 to take the boot off

In Oregon, you are not allowed to tow vehicles for expired registration alone. I've been doing this for 16 some years, and JUST learned that one today!