NAVIGATING PARKING CHALLENGES IN YOUR ASSOCIATION
By
Rafael Aquino
Published February 28, 2024
As a community
association management company, one of the most intricate aspects
we deal with involves allocating and managing parking spaces within
condominium communities, especially when we take on new communities
where parking data is either outdated or non-existent, which poses a
substantial challenge. We've encountered situations where parking
assignments were lost or muddled over time, leading to confusion and
disputes among residents. In one case, the lack of clear parking
data contributed to a legal dispute, underscoring the importance of
meticulous record-keeping.
The task of gathering
and verifying parking space information is daunting but essential.
It involves reviewing condominium documents, liaising with
residents, and sometimes deciphering decades-old assignment
practices. However, the effort is worthwhile, as accurate parking
data is crucial for effective management and compliance with legal
requirements.
Parking spaces can
vary in management—some are treated as common elements with rules
set by the Board of Directors. In contrast, others may be deeded to
specific units or assigned as limited common elements. Additionally,
accommodating requests for reasonable adjustments, such as providing
accessible parking for residents with disabilities or facilitating
the installation of electric vehicle charging stations, adds another
layer of complexity.
The significance of
accurate parking data has also been highlighted in real estate
transactions. It's now imperative for parking space information to
be correctly disclosed in estoppel certificates. Misrepresenting or
inaccurately assigning parking spaces can lead to severe
consequences, placing the association in a "tight spot"—both legally
and metaphorically.
In managing a
community's parking resources, we've learned that proactive
communication, thorough record-keeping, and flexibility in
addressing the evolving needs of residents are key. Implementing a
transparent and fair parking policy mitigates potential disputes,
enhances the community's understanding of its parking structure, and
provides transparency.
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As the Co-Founder and CEO
of Affinity Management Services, Rafael P. Aquino leads his team to
redefine excellence. They serve community associations
efficiently |
and effectively with
dedication and passion. Rafael’s energy and positive
spirit is the foundation of Affinity Management
Services’ company culture, which instills enthusiasm and
excitement when providing expert advice to its board
members and relieving the day-to-day burdens of running
a community association.
Since 2007, Rafael has
developed a work culture that values responsive and
high-quality services. He has led his team by following
a proactive vs reactive philosophy. The same approach
Rafael instills in the day to day operations of each
association. Today, Affinity Management Services
maintains its success and benefits as a result of the
foundation Rafael has built and continues to foster by
providing educational seminars, continuing education
classes for association managers and board members
alike.
Rafael and his team help condominium and homeowners’
associations save money and improve their communities.
His calm, personable, and service-oriented nature helps
him to establish strong relationships with ease. Rafael
is known as a sincere and honest leader who looks out
for the best interests of his clients and communities,
and he strongly advocates for their needs. His role
requires coordination and communication, as such he
takes logical and intelligent steps to approach
challenges head-on.
As a graduate of Florida International University’s
electrical engineering program and a licensed community
association manager, Rafael’s education and skills equip
him with unique insights to tackle complex problems
through critical thinking. He understands how each
component within a system works together in order to
effectively arrive at solutions, techniques, and
conclusions. Therefore, as he manages the multiple
challenges of running a community association management
company, he understands how each property is its own
unique system and tailors’ specific services to assure
that all their needs are met.
For more information about Rafael P. Aquino and Affinity
Management Services please visit
www.ManagedByAffinity.com or call 1-800-977-6279
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Doral Office: 8200 NW 41st ST
Suite 200
Doral, FL 33166
Broward Office: 150 S Pine Island RD Suite 300
Plantation, FL 33324
O: 800-977-6279 ● F: 305-325-4053
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