At least eighty percent of the Landlords in Ontario charge separately for parking. Rates often vary between above ground and below ground spaces with the underground spaces being the most popular. In Metro Toronto, I have seen prices range from $20 to $65 monthly for a single residential space. People are often mortified at the cost of parking their car but parking is an expensive proposition for Landlords. Vandalism or outright theft has been known to occur on both outdoor and underground levels of parking.

Most underground garages are now key card controlled. Since vandalism has skyrocketed in many residential areas, so has the cost of security to protect residents' vehicles. The apprehension rate of these delinquents is low and the police involvement is limited. Most parking garages are not patrolled by police departments - Landlords are expected to arrange private security. Police departments want to help but continuous budget cutbacks eliminate their ability to assist. The onus is continuously put back on the Landlord to protect the property. Some Landlords I know have even resorted to guards with dogs as a deterrent for vandals. Camera systems can now be seen at most of the better buildings' parking areas as well as at the entrances to the building. These are all preventative measures that add up to major expenditures.

If you want to deter criminals from vandalizing or stealing your vehicle you should consider a variety of actions. Activate your alarm setting on your vehicle (if you have one) when you get out. Remove anything of value which can be seen through the window including cameras, money, wallets, stereos if possible, and jewelry. Park your car in a well-lit and highly trafficked area. If vehicles have been stolen more than once from your building then invest in one of those devices known as "The Club" or a product of similar nature.

Use a little caution now and it will save you in the long run. Insurance companies have been either refusing coverage to clients that have been vandalized a number of times or they raise the rates to astronomical levels. Let's not forget that landlords must also cover the cost of increased security if necessary which means a raise in the parking rates. No matter how anyone looks at it, parking is a sensitive subject and a costly one for all parties involved.

Copyright: Bonnie Hoy & Associates; Independent Rental Consultants to Landlords. Tel. (905) 854 - 1585.

                                            
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