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Updated almost 4 years ago on . Most recent reply
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How do I handle this parking dispute
Will try to keep it as concise & to the point as possible so here goes:
I bought this duplex over the summer & it came with Tenant A, and their lease that runs through November 2021. Tenant A has been there 5 years. Other unit was vacant, which I have since filled with Tenant B.
Unfortunately, nothing in Tenant A's lease specifies where they are allowed to park, only that they are allowed 1 spot. I didn't specify anything other than that in B's lease, as I didn't foresee this being an issue.
A emails me today saying that Tenant B parked too close to their car "on their side" - I won't include the verbatim but they clearly are very defensive and protective of "their" space. A claims that they knocked on door to talk to B and tell them to move but B wouldn't answer, so I call B as requested by A (perhaps a mistake in hindsight) to let them know what A requested. Of course, A claims that they parked where they usually park, and that they were probably in shower when B knocked (could be true). I called B to update them, who of course gave a different story. Told them that A is home now if they want to go speak to them. The car had been moved by that point so A let it go for the time being it seemed but clearly is going to be upset if it happens again.
Looking back at it in hindsight, I kind of wish I hadn't even got involved and just told both A & B that they needed to talk this over like civil adults. If it happens more I think I will have to just make lease amendments that clearly & visually show where each is allowed to park. For the time being, just because I want to put it to bed and push it off my plate, should I email both of them saying that they need to figure it out like adults & I won't get involved with petty stuff like this going forward
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- Real Estate Broker
- Cody, WY
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Write to both of them:
Dear Tenants, your lease does not specify which parking space is yours. You are both authorized one space and it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Park in whichever space is open and convenient for you at the time. If you want to make a verbal agreement between yourselves, that's your prerogative. However, any agreement made may be subject to change when a new tenant moves in and I'm not getting involved in personal matters. Kindly work it out amongst yourselves or park somewhere else.
- Nathan Gesner
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