Assigned parking lane "violator"

[Wesley W.]

Hi all,

There was a thread several days ago regarding a different issue with assigned parking, so I thought I would keep with a variation on the theme.

We've got a small multi-family building (4 unit) that has just two off-street parking lanes - each assigned to one of the two larger units in the building.

I am having an issue with a tenant (who is assigned one of the spaces) using BOTH spaces.  The unit assigned to the other space is currently vacant, so I'm guessing their strategy was "'tis better to ask for forgiveness than permission" and helped themselves to both spaces.  I told them this was not acceptable, as I would be using that space (for turnover and renovation) on a daily basis.

Well, after my request not to use the space not assigned to them (verbally, then memorialized via text), I once again showed up this morning with both spots filled by this same tenant.

She is mostly a good tenant (inherited, we purchased last August), but as with most tenants she sometimes looks to see where "the line" is by testing my rules in minor ways.

The parking assignments are addressed in her lease (MTM), but what I am struggling with is the part where I state, "if you don't comply with my request, then this <consequence> will occur."  What would that next step be if this were your property?

If I send her a "notice to cure" she can keep moving her car when I request.  It seems kind of draconian (and unnecessarily costly via turnover on my end) to terminate her lease over this, so I am trying to anticipate what would be the next logical step if she doesn't comply after my formal letter to her.  I don't suppose I could "fine" her without a lease addendum she agrees to, either.

I'm hoping someone has some suggestions that would yield the intended response without escalating the situation too much by playing the "termination" card.  

What do you think?

[Steve Portock]

Tow her car next time, tell her she has her assigned spot, and if another car is in there that does not belong it will be towed. Set up with a towing company and just do it. Remember its a business, and once you have told someone the consequences, it falls on them if they don't comply.