Apartment Parking: Everything You Need to Know

When you have a car, moving to an apartment with parking is nonnegotiable. However, not all parking spaces are created equal. Depending on what type of building and what area you are living in, you’ll be presented with different options — ranging from assigned, covered spaces to free street parking.

In this article, we go through the most common types of parking options that you’ll see and their pros and cons.

City renters will likely be very familiar with street parking. While large buildings in dense urban areas will often offer their tenants assigned parking spots in a garage or lot in exchange for a monthly fee, these charges can add up quickly and price car owners out. The free alternative to renting one of these pricey spaces is finding parking on the street, which can be difficult but is possible for those willing to put in the work. You may also see an apartment listing advertising street parking if it’s in a slightly less dense area, with more multi-family homes or small buildings than skyscrapers, where finding a spot nearby isn’t a huge challenge.

Pros

Cons

If you are living in a more suburban area, then your apartment or multi-family home may come with a driveway. This may be shared with other tenants of the building. While a driveway will come with some of the cons of street parking, it can be a better option for those looking for a more consistent parking space.

Pros

Cons

If you are living in a large building or an apartment complex or community, one of the amenities offered may be a parking space in an apartment parking lot. However, if the parking is unassigned, then that means you will still have to find a spot in the lot by yourself. Depending on your building’s parking policy, guests may also be allowed to temporarily park in the apartment community’s lot. You may also need to apply for a parking pass to park in your building’s lot.

Pros

Cons

Assigned parking means that you get a designated spot in your apartment building’s parking lot — sometimes as a perk and sometimes for a fee, depending on your lease agreement. It may be uncovered or covered parking depending on your building’s parking situation.

Pros

Cons

A parking garage is arguably the safest option for storing your vehicle. You don’t have to worry about the weather, and usually spots in an apartment building’s garage are assigned, so you won’t have to worry about anyone taking your spot, either.

Pros

Cons

If you are moving to a new apartment with a car in tow, it’s important to consider the building’s parking options before you sign the lease. Different buildings will have different parking rules. If you are looking for a hassle-free parking space, find a building with an assigned parking option. If you want to save some cash on parking, try to find a multifamily unit with a driveway or with ample street parking nearby.