We recently received an email from strata management that they now consider my cousin and her parents as residents and thus can no longer park in the spot despite her ongoing medical condition. What can we do in this situation? – James, NSW

Q: Hi, my cousin started having seizures in February and was discharged from ICU in March. Ever since then, she has been staying with me. Her parents have obtained visas from the government to fly over and look after her.

As such, during this period of time, her car has been parked in the visitors carpark so her parents can get groceries and look after her etc. We recently received an email from strata management that they now consider my cousin and her parents as residents and thus can no longer park in the spot despite her ongoing medical condition: “Whilst the Committee have sympathised with them and allowed special permission for a longer than reasonable period to use the parking, the situation cannot continue. We therefore request that you inform your tenants that their guests are now deemed resident and in this regard must make alternative parking arrangements for their vehicle.”

It makes absolutely no sense as (1) they are not residents, (2) they’ve provided no reason that they can’t park in the spot apart from “this situation cannot continue,” and (3) the visitor parking is always empty so it’s not an issue with availability. What can we do in this situation? Thanks for your help.

 

A: In cases such as these, it may be beneficial to speak with your strata manager and committee to either arrange a solution. It may also be worth bringing up the points you’ve raised.

However, visitor carparks are only meant to be used in a part-time capacity, and there may be a breach of by-laws if a vehicle is parked there for too long, and repeatedly. The committee or yourself may be able to arrange parking in an owners spot if one is available.