Residential parking dispute

Heathela

Hi, new to the forum so not sure if this is the correct place to post this.

I live in a block of flats and today I found a note on my car from a neighbour, stating that the bay I have parked in belongs to them as they own one of the flats. They have gone on to state that they charge £5 per day for the privilege and that I already owe them £30 for leaving my car in the space for 6 days from Christmas to New year, although they hadn't contacted me about this at the time. They have then said that the charge now begins again from 4th April and have left a sarcastic message stating that they hope I manage to do my sums, even if I didn't recognise their flat number painted on the bay.

I admit that I have made a mistake as I didn't realise any of the bays belonged specifically to any of the flat owners and just assumed that all of the bays were available to use as long as I displayed my residents parking permit in my window, which I always do. There is a number painted on the bay, but it is very faint which is likely why I didn't notice it. The reason my car has been in the same space for a week is because I have broken a toe and haven't been driving, until today. I hadn't thought to move it, as like I mentioned above, I didn't realise I couldn't park in that bay.

I am wondering what rights this neighbour has to insist that I owe them money, and if there is any way that I can check whether the bay is privately owned by this person. Particularly in regards to the claim that I owe them £30 from parking there at Christmas, as I was never informed that there was a £5 charge to park in another bay, and the person hasn't tried to contact me about that prior to this note, so I had no idea. Any advice would be appreciated, as I have never encountered a problem like this before.

Thanks

AdrianC

They have zero rights to claim money from you.

Don't park there again.

Marvel1

Signpost saying there is a fee to pay? No, there is your answer.

missile

You did not think to check if there was allocated parking you moved in?

unholyangel

No right to decide a price you owe them without there being a contract, theoretically could claim damages for civil trespass but I wouldn't fancy their chances if you've now stopped parking there. If you have continued to park there after receiving their notice then technically a contract could be formed through conduct - with your parking there being seen as acceptance of their terms.

As a peace offering I'd maybe pop round with a gift of some sort to say sorry and explain about the broken toe. Or write a letter and ask a friend to drop if off with the gift if you're still having mobility issues. Tin of shortbread, bottle of something, cheese board, voucher for a local shop......plenty of choices.

Especially if you'll be there a while. First impressions are lasting. If the shoe was on the other foot, you'd probably be peeved too.

Tokk

unholyangel wrote: »

As a peace offering I'd maybe pop round with a gift of some sort to say sorry and explain about the broken toe. Or write a letter and ask a friend to drop if off with the gift if you're still having mobility issues. Tin of shortbread, bottle of something, cheese board, voucher for a local shop......plenty of choices.

Especially if you'll be there a while. First impressions are lasting. If the shoe was on the other foot, you'd probably be peeved too.

This.

You've made a mistake and probably feel pretty sheepish about it.
The neighbour probably wants you to stop more than anything - they may well just be hoping the mention of payments would act as an incentive to stop.

Go and have a chat - they'll probably understand and you'll probably both feel the better for it.

shinytop

Although it's good to get on with your neighbours, this one sounds like a complete kn&b. A simple note at the time of the first offence would have been enough. As others have said though, best to just smile and say sorry.

warby68

Just apologize and make a small peace offering as suggested.

It is a bit hard to believe that you didn't know the parking arrangements for your flat AND didn't see the number on the space but you do sound genuine here so hopefully you will convince them too. The parking charge and sarcasm are probably 'tongue in cheek' at what they see as your excessive cheekiness. They probably just want you to stop doing it. A promise in that regard should sort it. You can check your own paperwork for where you can park or with your landlord if you rent.

Penelopa.Pitstop

It's quite possible to be confused about bays belonging to the flats. In my previous place there were posts blocking parking spaces. One day management company arrived and removed them. Apparently none of the parking bay was assigned to any flat, all were first come, first served and some neighbours were quite unhappy about it. They thought they have their own spaces. I never parked there, as I thought my flat didn't have any parking space assigned. Previous owner didn't have a car.

Check your deeds and see if you have assigned parking space. And as above, just apologise to the neighbour.