There’s nothing that signals the end of a long day like pulling into your parking space at the apartment building or complex you call home. However, not all apartments have built-in parking, and those that do charge for it.
But do apartment complexes have to provide parking? And if so, what are the different types of parking available?
Yes
The answer to the question of whether apartment complexes have to provide parking is a little bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. It depends on a variety of factors, including location and demographics. However, there are some general rules that you should consider as you search for an apartment.
First, check with your local laws to see what the requirements are for your state. Some states, such as California, do not require that apartment complexes provide parking. Others, like Oregon, treat it as an amenity that tenants have a right to enjoy.
You should also pay attention to the type of parking that is available. Some complexes offer covered parking, which is more secure than street parking. But these spaces can be more expensive, especially if the complex is located in a busy area. Other complexes may offer uncovered parking, which is cheaper but is not as safe as covered spaces.
In addition to the type of parking available, you should be aware of any other parking restrictions that are in place. For example, some complexes have restrictions on the size of vehicles that can park in their lot or on how long a vehicle can be parked there. It’s important to review these restrictions before you sign a lease agreement.
Another issue that can come up is if the apartment complex doesn’t provide enough parking spaces. If this is the case, you may need to find a different place to live. If you’re worried about finding a place with adequate parking, check out our apartment search tool to help you find a place that meets your needs.
Apartment building owners typically set their own parking rules based on local law and the demographics of the neighborhood. Generally, they will include these rules in the tenant’s manual or in the lease agreement. These rules can vary widely from one community to the next, so it’s important to read them carefully before you move in.
Another common rule that apartment complexes have to follow is that they must make sure that parking spaces are accessible to people with disabilities. This includes making sure that the spaces are marked appropriately and that they are accessible to persons using wheelchairs. In most cases, this requirement is not mandatory under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but it’s a good idea to ask about it anyway.
No
A landlord can choose to provide on-site parking or not, but if they do, they must establish appropriate and legal rules and enforce them. Otherwise, it can be a nightmare for apartment tenants who may get tickets or have their cars towed by local law enforcement. It’s also important to remember that apartment complexes often have limited parking spaces. If you don’t have enough spots, your tenants will have to park on the street, which can be problematic at certain times of the day and night.
Many apartment buildings are built without on-site parking, and those that do have parking typically have only a few first-come, first-serve spots in a small lot. This means that residents have to deal with traffic and other congestion in order to get a spot. In some cases, apartment buildings will offer monthly parking garages that are more convenient than street or other off-street parking. However, these garages are usually pricey and can have rules about when tenants can and cannot park their vehicles in them.
The answer to whether apartment complexes have to provide parking depends on the location and demographics of the building. For instance, suburban individuals and families tend to rely on their cars more than urban individuals and families do, so they might need a car for work and for trips to the grocery store or children’s after-school activities. Thus, it’s likely that suburban apartment communities will have higher parking ratios than urban apartment communities.
In addition, some older apartment buildings may not have sufficient parking space for disabled people. While the ADA doesn’t apply to private apartment complexes, the Fair Housing Act does, so landlords can be required to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities.
For example, some apartments will permit parking on a first-come, first-serve basis for people with disabilities. Others will have handicapped spots available only for those with the proper license plates and other documentation. It’s also worth noting that some cities have ordinances that prohibit people from parking in front of their apartment building if it blocks the sidewalk or makes it difficult for disabled pedestrians to get around.
Assigned
Many apartment buildings have assigned parking, meaning you will have a specific spot in the building to park your car. These spots may be covered or uncovered, and they are usually within a short distance of your apartment. However, if the building has more cars than space, you might have to share an assigned spot with other residents or park on the street, depending on the rules of your apartment complex.
Other forms of apartment parking include unassigned spaces and guest spots. Unassigned spaces are in a common area or garage, and they can be either covered or uncovered. They can also be in a reserved zone or on a first come, first serve basis. Unassigned spaces are often closer to apartments than uncovered spaces, but they can be more expensive and less safe.
If you are moving into a condominium, you may have deeded parking as part of your home’s purchase. Alternatively, you might have parking spaces that are considered part of the common elements and therefore not owned in fee simple by the condominium owner. In this case, the association’s board has the power to assign parking spaces as they see fit. However, this is subject to federal fair housing laws.
Some older apartment buildings were built before ADA regulations, and they might not have assigned spaces or other provisions for people with disabilities. This can result in problems if you are disabled and have trouble finding a place to park. You should always check your lease or R&Rs to find out if your apartment complex has disability parking laws and what to do if you have trouble finding a space.
While it’s a shame, it’s not uncommon for people who have assigned parking to find that someone else has parked in their spot. If this happens, you can usually get in touch with your landlord or property manager to resolve the issue. In some cases, you might be able to identify the offender by their license plate or other identifier.
Some condominiums have a rule that states one car space is provided for every unit, but this doesn’t always work in practice. If the parking space is a limited common element, it will need to be specifically allocated to your unit in the declaration. You can also ask your condo board to allocate a space for you, but this is generally not allowed without consent from other unit owners and may be subject to federal fair housing laws.
Free
A lot of apartment buildings don’t provide parking, which can be a huge annoyance for tenants who own cars. However, a parking space doesn’t have to be an absolute necessity for a livable apartment. In fact, there are many states that don’t even consider parking as a necessary amenity for apartments.
Regardless of whether an apartment complex offers free parking or not, it’s important to read the lease agreement carefully to understand the parking policy and rules before moving in. If there’s a parking addendum, it should list the rules and costs for on-site parking. Often, there’s an additional cost for garages or covered parking spaces that provide protection from the elements.
Unassigned parking is usually available at apartment complexes that have a large enough parking lot to accommodate all residents. This type of parking can be covered or uncovered, and it’s typically safer than street parking because there’s no chance that someone will steal your space. However, if you’re concerned about safety, you can ask your landlord for an assigned space.
If your apartment doesn’t have a designated parking area, you may need to park on the street or pay for a monthly parking garage. Parking garages are typically gated and secure, but they can be expensive. They’re also a good option for people who want to protect their vehicles from the weather, but aren’t comfortable with street parking.
If you have a disability and need a dedicated parking spot, you can ask your landlord to reserve one for you. This is a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. If your landlord refuses to do this, you can file a discrimination claim against them.