I think Lori’s suggestion is great, get a nice closet and push it all the way in, probably no one is going to complain.

Remember, safety first!

Many people with a parking spot have the Rubbermaid “full double door storage closets” (see rubbermaid.com – about $200) rather than a bunch of miscellaneous junk. Using may keep everyone in your building much happier – they are also more secure for your items. There ARE thefts from Hoboken garages – don’t kid yourself.

As for what can your condo association do, they can prohibit you (but then they probably must prohibit everyone) from placing ANY items in the spot other than a car. Nobody is going to want that! Beyond that, it depends on your condo by-laws & rules and regulations. They may be able to impose a fine.

The management company really can’t do squat. They may send you a nasty letter but they work for the association and are hired by the board so it’s really up to the condo board. They don’t have ‘punitive’ powers although they often act as if they do.

So before you go away for the weekend, why don’t you just go by a storage closet???? If you don’t have time, send the board a nice letter apologizing profusely and explain the situation and promise to do it as soon as you get back. You don’t want to move into a building and start off with problems, do you?

PS – I heard the dumbest thing yesterday. There is a lovely building in town with balconies. Someone in the building made a fuss and now they don’t allow gas grills on any of the balconies, only down below in the common yard. What a waste! Now you have to trek through the building with your burgers rather than just walking outside from your own living room.

PPS – In my opinion, every condo assn. with room in the garage for it should invest in a bike rack. This improves your property value as owners can lock their bikes safely rather than keeping them in front of cars or in units. The Columbus has one as do a few other buildings and it’s a great idea!