Yes, that title is a slight adaptation of the original quote by author Ron Brackin, and it applies across the board, including parking enforcement in multifamily communities. Unauthorized vehicle and resident complaints can erode trust rapidly. When residents see others flouting parking rules, their frustration builds, not just towards the offenders but also towards the onsite team. This can lead to decreased resident happiness, lower renewal rates and a tarnished reputation for the community. 

The Pain Points of Parking Enforcement

Maintaining consistent parking enforcement is not just about being punitive; it's about resident happiness. Information collected from KingsleySurveys by Grace Hill reveals that one-fifth of residents are unhappy with parking, and they aren't focused on availability. That dissatisfaction also stems from a lack of enforcement of community parking policies. For all community rules, property managers have a moral (and sometimes legal) obligation to foster fairness and predictability. When residents see and know that rules are upheld without bias, trust in management can flourish. Residents expect a harmonious living environment and the frequent sight of rule-breakers can lead to discontent and even impact renewal rates.

A well-enforced parking policy reassures residents that their concerns are taken seriously and that everyone is held to the same standard. Nobody wants to see their parking space being used improperly and management turning a blind eye, while their neighbor's parking issue is addressed promptly. It's critical to remind residents that they're part of a community, as well as the importance of offering the respect they might themselves. Onsite teams are not just towing a car; they're setting the tone for life there.

Additionally, this can make residents suspicious about what other rules are being bent for residents, further eroding trust. The worst-case scenario is that residents seek legal remedies for any issue based on any perceived bias. They may not be right, but that will still be time-consuming to deal with. Why ever take a chance on that happening?

One of the biggest challenges with parking enforcement is that it is also a task that can consume a significant amount of time for your leasing professionals. Data from Zark Parking Solutions also shows that the majority of parking infractions are commonly the result of a handful of people in the community. Communities that enforce towing show a 23.6% decline in reported issues in communities, according to Zark. Conversely, there is a 23.1% increase in the issue rate at communities where towing is not enabled.

It's economically unsound to allow a tiny group of residents to cause problems for residents and teams and cost everyone time and money. There are ways that owners, operators and property managers can make sure that rules don't devolve into suggestions via automated park solutions. 

How Parking Automation Can Maintain Your Rules as Rules

An automated parking solution helps property managers ensure that parking rules are enforced consistently and uniformly. They also empower residents to help address parking violations on their own, bringing about a quicker resolution in some cases vs. contacting the onsite team and having them address it. It also alleviates the burden on teams and enhances operational efficiency. This isn't a case of "passing the buck" to residents. In fact, many would welcome the ability to handle these issues in a more timely manner, and it provides a more transparent resolution to challenges. Communities can also send violations to the offending parties through a parking solution.

Improved resident satisfaction results when they feel their concerns are being addressed promptly. It's a no-brainer that happier residents will translate to increased renewals and better reputation scores, which are necessary to attract new residents. Embracing parking automation not only addresses the pressing pain points associated with unauthorized vehicles and resident complaints but also uplifts the entire community atmosphere.

The path to a harmonious and thriving community lies in the hands of those who manage it effectively. By implementing innovative parking automation solutions, property owners and managers can create a fair, reliable and trusting environment that enhances the living experience. When you have a set of expectations that is backed by rules and the failure to follow those rules has consequences, neighbors become better neighbors.