Parking is one of the biggest sources of tension in Sydney’s strata schemes. Between residents using visitor bays as personal garages and cars left in the wrong space, it doesn’t take long before tempers flare.

At Metro Strata, we’ve seen parking disputes spiral quickly—but the good news is that there are clear processes in place to deal with them. Here’s what every NSW strata owner should know.

When Someone Parks in Your Space

It’s frustrating to come home and find someone in your designated car space. Most of the time, it’s an honest mistake—many car parks don’t display unit numbers for privacy and security reasons. A polite note on the windscreen usually does the trick, and you’ll often get an apology.

But here’s what you shouldn’t do:

• Don’t clamp the wheels—this is illegal.
• Don’t organise a private tow—if the car is damaged, you could be held responsible.

If the car owner ignores your note and the problem continues, contact the police. They have authority to deal with parking disputes on private property.

Visitor Parking: What the By-Laws Say

Visitor spaces are for visitors—not for residents to treat as overflow parking. Under the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2016 (Standard By-Law 1), owners and tenants can’t park on common property without written approval from the Owners Corporation.

That means:

• Residents should never use visitor spots unless permission is granted.
• The Owners Corporation can adopt special by-laws setting strict time limits for visitor bays.

In practice, visitor parking should be kept free for genuine guests. A family member visiting for the afternoon is fine. Leaving a spare car there for weeks? Not acceptable.

What to Do if Visitor Parking Is Abused

If you notice misuse of visitor spaces, start small:

1. Speak politely to the car owner or leave a note.
2. Document the issue with photos and times.
3. Report it to the Owners Corporation with your evidence.

The Owners Corporation can then act. If the offender refuses to comply, the matter can be escalated to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT). The Tribunal has the power to issue fines for repeated breaches.

Why Parking Rules Matter

Parking disputes may seem minor, but they create real friction in strata living. They also impact safety—blocked garages and illegally parked cars can obstruct emergency access. That’s why it’s vital for committees to enforce by-laws consistently.

Metro Strata’s Role

At Metro Strata, we help committees handle these disputes fairly and lawfully. Our job is to:

• Ensure all complaints are documented properly.
• Guide the Owners Corporation through issuing Notices to Comply.
• Support the committee in taking matters to NCAT if necessary.

Final Word

Parking is a limited resource in strata buildings, and respecting the rules keeps life smoother for everyone. With the right approach—and a clear understanding of by-laws—parking disputes don’t need to spiral into full-blown conflicts.

For tailored guidance on parking and other strata issues, contact Metro Strata for a free, no-obligation management fee estimate.