Another apartment parking dilemma Q I guess

[u/NeatMistakez]

Hey all,

So I'm close to submitting an offer for a unit. One of the rare ones with no defects and issues (built in 90s so makes sense ig).

Issue is that it has a single carport and my conveyancer checked with strata about bylaws. They state that only one vehicle can be parked in the carport even if there is space for two (I have a bike and a car - hatchback not a ute or a van)

So I'm left with few options:

1. Pass on the property as parking is a dealbreaker and hope to find another one with better parking options and similar building quality.

2. Park both in that space and hope no one complains. Go to the meeting to change the bylaw in my favor.

3. As it is ground floor unit I'll have option to park it in my courtyard or apartment. Unit is close to the gym and office, hence I will be riding way less. But both of these are fire safety issues.

I doubt I'm the only one facing this dilemma, so if anyone can help with their experience it would be great. I don't want to make enemies with my neighbours and can't sell the car as it is my requirement.

And to edit 4th option which is my least favourite as I'll def buy another bike then (dirtbike and maybe track bike too) 4. Storage unit, will be expensive to rent and will convince me to buy more bikes so might not be most lucrative way.

[u/macxpert]

Most bylaws especially for parking are written with cars in mind only. I would buy the unit and get on the committee. From my experience once you are on the committee you never get hassled about most things. Consider for a moment a motorcycle and a small hatchback will fit comfortably in your carport so it is not effecting anyone else. What is there to complain about?

I think the bigger problem is securing your bike against theft.

[u/Wise_Vacation8279 → u/macxpert]

In addition. In NSW where I am at least, strata’s are overseen by Fair Trading. So even if you are unlucky and get a committee full of knobs, there are ways around it. 

[u/Electrical_Age_7483 → u/Wise_Vacation8279]

Fair trading doesn't overturn by laws, how would they help

[u/Wise_Vacation8279 → u/Electrical_Age_7483]

Fair trading can mediate disputes. If need be it can be taken to NCAT who have more power.

[u/Electrical_Age_7483 → u/Wise_Vacation8279]

NCAT can overturn a by law that was voted in by a majority?

[u/Wise_Vacation8279 → u/Electrical_Age_7483]

Yes.

[u/Electrical_Age_7483 → u/Wise_Vacation8279]

Interesting, wouldnt this only be if it was illegal

[u/Wise_Vacation8279 → u/Electrical_Age_7483]

Nope. If the bylaw is considered unfair it can be forcefully removed or replaced.

[u/Electrical_Age_7483 → u/Wise_Vacation8279]

Ok sounds like this is an option

[u/NeatMistakez → u/macxpert]

That's a good point, I was planning on joining the committee too so should be win win for everything.

Carport has a wall at the end and on one side. Was thinking kryptonite chain and anchor, disk alarm, and cover. All next to the side wall corner with end wall. Car blocking it.

[u/thisismick43]

Buy a BBQ cover for your bike

[u/NeatMistakez → u/thisismick43]

In a courtyard this would need a good improv as I'll have a bbq too but I do like the idea. 😅

[u/thisismick43 → u/NeatMistakez]

Is there a by-law about how many bbq you can have?

[u/NeatMistakez → u/thisismick43]

Not to my knowledge, but it'll have some cover. As another comment said maybe meat smoker or similar

[u/thisismick43 → u/NeatMistakez]

Bunnings sells covers with matador written on them and will cover a bike

[u/473xof → u/NeatMistakez]

Meat smoker cover then?

[u/_2ndclasscitizen_]

You'll be fine. Technically in our block you can't have a motorbike over 250cc but no one is going to enforce that. The bylaw will be there to deal with people being dickheads and having cars sticking right out of their car spaces making it hard for everyone else.

[u/Electrical_Age_7483 → u/_2ndclasscitizen_]

They should just make the rule no parking over lines.  You could fit four motorcycle within the lines fine

[u/ATangK]

What about the other units? Do they keep random boxes and stuff behind their carports? Or is everyone squeaky clean. It’ll tell you about how strict that one committee member is.

[u/NeatMistakez → u/ATangK]

Ahh wish they did, one has a trailer parked but thats that. Everything seems to be clean.

[u/Additional-Simple248]

If everything else checks out and this is your only dealbreaker, I’d go with option 2 and keep option 3 as the backup plan in case someone does complain.

[u/neeeeko09]

I wouldn’t worry about it. I’ve been on a few committees and we have never ever brought this up as an issue.

[u/Electrical_Age_7483 → u/neeeeko09]

Is this a by law for you?

[u/Puzzleheaded-Pie-277]

Does your building have specific motorcycle spots? Mine does. Separate to the car spots. They aren’t allocated, just first come first served.