Baltimore city leases, landlords who require a visitor permit be given them (leasing)

[whirledpease]

Hi, been checking out rentals in Baltimore city. a place Im interested in has a lease with a clause saying the landlord (LL) requires one of the two visitor permits that go with the rental (it is an area with restricted parking permits).

Since the clause is right there on the lease, it would seem it's something the BPA could note and deny if they wanted, but at least the intended use is not camouflaged. The LL claims their request is for the convenience of repair staff etc stopping in, despite being told that those folks could always ask for and get the permit from me in such a case. There is one off-street spot, and there would have been 2 visitor permits that went with the rental.

When they were asked on the phone, it seems that the BPA does not intend the visitor pass to ever be handed off like this, to anyone except the person holding the lease; but the LL claims prior renters have done so without any issues and that specific individuals spoken with at the BPA may have mistaken views on this.


Earlier i thought the LL was being slightly underhand but being that they put this provision in the lease I suppose this stipulation is out in the open 'legally'.

THe place is attractive. Don't know that leasing from this person is but since i do currently live in another state I do not know yet how irregular this sort of thing is. Other joys in the leadup to moving would be having to scuttle about getting a temp parking pass even before moving so I can park there to move in(when usually getting the mover to leave the stuff and review damages is usually the first objective, not to say headache) and getting a 65$ temp parking permit for the mover's truck to be able to pull up to unload.(this last is not upto the landlord, it's the baltimore authority's rule)

The LL supposedly lives in Fed Hill and prob just wants a pass for their own use, repairs or not. Perhaps that' s a perk of ownership vs renting?

Any experience with this sort of thing in the wider readership?
thanks very much,
w.

[mrboltonman]

I remember reading somewhere (maybe on the visitor's permit) that a landlord can't require a tenant to give them one. It seems kinda weird to me for using for repairs. How many repairs is the landlord going to be making? I think it's for them to use to park in the neighborhood for other things.

You probably shouldn't rent from this place if you are bothered by what the landlord is asking. It seems like you and the landlord are going to have problems.

[MrRational]

Originally Posted by whirledpease

...despite being told that those folks could always ask for and get the permit from me in such a case.
Even on Ravens game days... with enough notice.

There is one off-street spot, and there would have been 2 visitor permits that went with the rental. .. The LL supposedly lives in Fed Hill and prob just wants a pass for their own use, repairs or not.

I say hold the line.
If you expect to have any sort of social or personal life then your guests will need a place to park.
Without that... what do you have?

hth

[GoPhils]

From the "Rules and Regulations" tab:

Parking Authority / Residential Parking Permits / General Rules and Regulations

Visitor permits are issued solely to the residents for the use of their visitors. Visitor permits must be displayed face up on the vehicle's left side of the dashboard. Please refer to the reverse side of your Decal or Visitor Permit for information and regulations.

I don't think the landlord is considered a "resident," and thus I wouldn't think they can legally require you to give them the pass. As mrboltonman mentioned, if you can get a hold of the pass it may say something more specific on the back.

[whirledpease]

Thanks much, all. Very helpful to have a sounding board-
best regards,
W.