QUESTION:  My landlord parks his car in my space when I’m at work so he can use the building’s pool and gym.  Sometimes I come home to find he’s still in my space and I have to park in visitor parking.

Now I’m getting letters from the committee saying that if I do it again I could be towed or have my access key to the garage cancelled.  I don’t want to dob in the landlord – it is his property after all and he could throw me out – but what can I do? – Parker, Sydney City.

ANSWER: Part of your rent is paying for your use of the pool and gym.  If your landlord is still using them then he’s double-dipping and cheating every other owner in the building.

And many councils won’t allow strata car parks to be used by non-residents so he’s probably in the wrong there too.

Tell him what’s happening and ask him to either not use your car space any more or give you a reduction in rent.  Meanwhile have a quiet word with whoever sent you the letters to make sure that any access key that gets cancelled is your landlord’s.

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