New Landlord - Complicated Parking Situation

[Miko Lee]

Hi all,

I recently bought my first small multifamily (two buildings - duplex and a single family). I only inherited tenants from one unit. Two other units are currently vacant. So, we have three units, but only one garage with an extra long driveway. Whoever gets the garage also get the driveway. The previous property manager told me that the garage is shared by the two units from the duplex. Each unit gets half of the garage. However, when I review the lease of the inherited tenants (now month to month, lease expired last month), no where in the lease saying that the inherited tenants get the garage space. I just found potential tenants for another unit. They seem to be really interested at the garage and willing to pay for it. I have yet to sign a lease with the potential tenants, but will in a week. How should I go about fixing the garage situation? I am thinking about sending a 30 day notice to the inherited tenants and tell them to either pay or vacate the garage. Also, when I sign the lease with the future tenants, I will also let them know about the garage option (same fee). It will be first come first serve. Do you think this is the right approach? Thanks!

[Deanna McCormick]

City code may demand that you provide xxx number of parking spaces per your dwelling size. so off street parking may be available but your more than likely required to give at least 1 parking space per apartment. 

Shared garage is probably the most beneficial to each unit, therefore they also share the driveway and can park on that portion of their side of the driveway to match side of garage they use. and specify right or left side of garage.. List the side of garage in the lease so if they leave any property it can be figured out. like side 1 of garage. 

I would include the fee for the garage in the cost of the apartment with instructions that the garage door is to be closed as soon as a car has entered or left. hopefully you have garage openers.. also state owner is not responsible for lost or stolen property.  Charge 100 deposit on garage door openers.