Is it possible to sell your garage space? Can you use it for storage, such as cabinets? DECO PROTeste reveals that “garages or parking spaces can create conflicts within the condominium” and has addressed frequently asked questions on the matter.
“Missing items, constantly malfunctioning gates, or neighbors using them as storage space are just a few of the most common problems,” the consumer protection organization points out.
Here are 10 answers on the topic to clear your doubts:
1. Can I sell my garage space?
“Check if your garage space is listed in the condominium’s title deed as an independent fraction. If so, it means it is an independent part and can be sold. If the garage is associated with your home, it cannot be sold separately. An alternative to monetize the space could be renting it out.”
2. Am I required to inform other owners when selling my garage space? Do they have a right of first refusal?
“There is no obligation to inform them. You may choose to inform other owners to facilitate the sale if you think a neighbor might be interested in buying the garage space, but by law, you are not obliged to do so.”
3. The garage gate is constantly problematic, and some residents use it for pedestrian traffic. What should be done?
“In this case, the role of the administrator is crucial. The administrator should raise awareness among residents that misuse of the garage gate leads to faster wear and tear, resulting in additional expenses for everyone. Consider addressing this issue in the condominium regulations.”
4. My bicycle disappeared from the garage. Can I hold the condominium responsible?
“The condominium is not obliged to compensate for disappearances or damages occurring in garages that it had no role in. In this situation, inform the administrator for security concerns and file a criminal complaint with the local police or judiciary authorities. You may also file a complaint online within six months.
When leaving your bicycle in your garage space, ensure you use a security mechanism (e.g., a chain with a lock) to protect against theft.”
5. A neighbor parks outside the designated lines and even in wrong spaces. The administrator has already warned them. What can I do?
“If the administrator’s warning was ineffective, it’s important to have condominium regulations to govern the use of common areas. For instance, penalties for non-compliance should go into a common reserve fund.
Does your condominium lack regulations? Regulations are mandatory when there are more than four residents. Check if peace courts exist in your area, as they are a potential avenue for resolution.”
6. Can I place cabinets in my parking space?
“Garage spaces cannot be used for purposes other than their intended use: parking cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. Therefore, cabinets, shelves, or other storage items are not allowed. Use storage rooms for such purposes.”
7. Can I store gas bottles in my building’s garage?
“No, storing gas bottles in garages or basements is not permitted. However, they can be stored inside your home.”
8. Can I charge my car battery using the building’s electricity?
“No. The building’s electricity cannot be used for personal benefit. It is reserved for services related to common areas, such as lighting for stairs, elevators, etc.”
9. A neighbor frequently uses the building’s water to wash their car. What can I do?
“The building’s water is for common area services only, like garden irrigation or cleaning garages and stairs. The administrator should remind the resident to change their behavior. Although this prohibition is legally mandated, it’s important to include this limitation in the condominium regulations, as well as potential penalties for non-compliance that would go into the common reserve fund. Ultimately, consider peace courts or court action if necessary.”
10. I own a garage but have no access to the building interior. Am I required to pay common expenses?
“A garage owner without access to the building interior is not obliged to contribute to expenses for elevators or services they cannot use, like stair cleaning or building lights. However, they must contribute to expenses like roof repairs.”
