Can my apt complex make me park in my garage if my lease doesn't state I have to? They recently sent emails stating you had to.

Question

Can my apt complex make me park in my garage if my lease doesn't state I have to? They recently sent emails stating you had to.

Anonymous Aug 20, 2015 7 views 2 answers

I am a tenant in OH who is renting in an apt complex that comes with an unattached garage. Many units can park in front of their units, some cannot. Mine is one. I asked the prop manager about getting a reserved parking spot, similar to the other units who can't park in front of theirs because the prior manager said I should have had one. She said because I only have one car I should park in my garage. I said that wasn't my point. I said my situation was similar to those people who can't park in front of their garage - so when the weather is bad and you are making grocery trips, it's a pain getting out and manually opening up the garage and putting the car in, then going back out again (garages don't have remotes which I didn't know when I was shown the prop). Now she has sent an email stating that all garage spaces should not be used for storage (which the leases state). And you must park in your garage (which my lease DOES NOT state). And they will begin home inspections (I think they mean garage inspections). I believe they cannot force me to park in the garage (which is not convenient for me) since it's not in my lease. Is that correct?

Joseph Jaap · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T15:49:24+00:00

Maybe they can't "force" you park in your garage, but if you don't, then depending on what your lease says, and what the rules and regulations incorporated into that lease say about parking, or signs posted in the tenant parking areas, perhaps they can tow your car if you don't park according to their rules and regulations. Maybe they even might try to evict you if you failed to park according to the rules. And they might note that eviction on your credit record. So try to resolve it with the landlord. You can consult with a local attorney you can find here on to review your lease.

Michelle Marshall · Accepted Answer · 2026-06-15T15:49:24+00:00

I agree with Attorney Japp - the language of your lease can certainly be interpreted to mean that you MUST park in the garage. If you don't, I'd say you are risking an eviction which will stay on your record and possibly jeopardize your chances of future rentals. I wouldn't risk it. Good luck!

Can my apt complex make me park in my garage if my lease doesn't state I have to? They recently sent emails stating you had to.

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