Lack of parking slots drives Karama tenants up the wall

Dubai: Insufficient public parking lots in Karama has spurred a trend among residents — to rent nearby parking spaces.

Frustrated residents, who often end up parking illegally on pavements, claim that renting is a safer and better option.

Resident Cynthia Menezes pays Dh250 a month to park her four-wheel drive in a nearby building, a block away from her apartment. She told Gulf News: "It is definitely a trend. In my area, several residents who do not own cars and have access to building parking rent out their designated slots."

"A few months ago, I was circling my apartment block, looking for parking. A lady stopped me and asked whether I needed a parking spot. I was only too happy to take up the offer," she added.

Prior to being a sub-lessee, Menezes, who has been living in the area for more than 20 years, said she used to spend close to 45 minutes scouting for an empty parking slot, especially in the evening.

"Despite my RTA parking card, there were times when I couldn't find parking, forcing me to park on the pavement for which I have got fines. I even know of people who have parking cards provided by their companies. To make extra money, they too sublet their building parking spaces. Several of my neighbours park in nearby buildings."

Serious issue

Another resident, Santosh L., told Gulf News that the lack of parking was a serious issue in the area.

"I am aware that residents sublet their parking slots. In some cases the watchmen too are aware of it. I tend to park 20 minutes away from my apartment because I rarely get a spot close by."

Gulf News approached a real estate company to find out if landlords were aware of tenants subletting their parking spaces. Nihad Kassali from Al Showaib Real Estate said landlords may be unaware of this practice.

"I believe a landlord doesn't care about whether their building's parking is sublet as long as the flat's rent is paid."

Suresh Thaliyakaettil, an executive from the real estate's maintenance department, told Gulf News: "I am well aware of this practice. We are strict with our buildings. We know the number of parking slots per building and the details … of the vehicles per flat. If we find out a tenant is misusing the building parking, we immediately take action. If there is a complaint from any other tenant, we investigate."