Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Vague Assigned Parking in Business Lot

We have a business in a commercial building. Just before it was sold the 1st owner assigned parking spaces to each unit. They were painted with the units' addresses but no names. There are signs up stating parking is for patrons and tenants of the entire building and lists all units. Visitors will sometimes drive up to our business and park in a spot belonging to our neighbors on the left or right. They don't notice the faded white address numbers on the ground and w/out signage don't realize they can only park in 2 spaces in front of my unit. Do my neighbors have the right to place notes on my visitors' cars or ask them to move?

I was thinking we could rent an additional unit if one became available even if it was located sevaral units away. This issue clouds that as I don't want my customers to feel blindsighted. There are no visitor or open spaces; each space is assigned to a unit.

Several of the tenants have asked the new owners to place more specific signs up and they are not doing so. We're just wondering how far our neighbors can go in approaching our customers the way the lot is now.

Thank you.


Asked on 7/13/07, 2:21 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Daniel Harrison Berger Harrison, APC

Re: Vague Assigned Parking in Business Lot

You should read your lease. Commercial leases usually contain provisions about parking. At any rate, if your customers are parking in spaces they shouldn't, your neighbor can place notes on their cars advising them accordingly. I don't see anything wrong with that. In fact, if your customers are violating the parking rights of others, you should take the initiative to advise your customers where to park.

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Answered on 7/14/07, 11:40 am
Johm Smith tom's

Re: Vague Assigned Parking in Business Lot

If your customers are taking spaces that belong to your neighbors and you aren't stopping them, then they can go a long way towards stopping them.

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Answered on 7/13/07, 2:36 pm


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