The communal garage: speed, improvised storage and rented-out spaces

The garage is the common area with the most friction per square metre. Three conflicts account for 90% of it.

1. The space used as storage

Tyres, furniture, boxes: besides being an eyesore, it is a fire risk and is usually prohibited by fire safety rules (the space is for vehicles). A clear internal rule plus a written request to the repeat offender. In the event of a claim, the insurer asks about exactly this.

2. Speed and manoeuvring

Mirrors on the blind corners (cheap and effective), a maximum speed sign, and enough light (LED with a sensor: safety and savings at once). Knocks between vehicles are a matter between individuals and their insurers — the community only answers for damage caused by common elements (the door, a leak from the ceiling).

3. Spaces rented to outsiders

Unless the bylaws prohibit it, an owner may rent their space to people from outside. The community can regulate the practicalities (remotes, identification, rules of use applying to the tenant) but cannot veto the rental. The owner answers for their tenant complying with the rules.

The garage door

The star expense: annual servicing of the mechanism (keeping it in safe condition is mandatory), and remotes with copy control (coded remotes prevent "half the neighbourhood has a remote").

In one sentence

A garage with written rules, good lighting and nothing piled up equals a garage without drama.