Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
General Questions
How do I cancel my agreement?
For Silver and Gold service level users this can be done through the website once you are logged in to your account or alternatively you can email notice@parkingspacerentals.co.uk. It is generally best to use the facility within the website wherever possible. Bronze service level users should give notice directly to their user or supplier. Hide.
How much notice do I have to give to cancel?
This will depend on your agreement and the terms and conditions within it. Generally, just 30 days notice is required to cancel at any time and this does not need to coincide with your monthly payment in any way. You could give notice on the 10th of the April for example and your termination date would be 9th May. Hide.
Who sets the monthly price for the parking space?
The space supplier will do this when first advertising their parking space and at that time we offer notes for consideration to ensure the most appropriate price is set. We are happy to offer more specific guidance and recommendations to space suppliers when contacting our office. Hide.
Will I be given the contact details of the space user or supplier?
On the Bronze and Silver service this information will be provided to you by email during the handover process. On the Gold service level you will not be given this information; this is because to ensure the highest level and continuity of service it is very important all information and requests pass through our office. Hide.
I have a parking space I want to sell, can you help?
Yes we can, simply contact us through our website and we'll be happy to assist. Hide.
I am interested in buying a parking space, is there anything available?
Parking spaces for sale do not become available with any particular regularity, as the space is normally most valuable when it is associated with its matching residence but from time to time people do express an interest in selling. Feel free to contact us through the website for latest availability. Listings of spaces for sale will soon be available through our website also. Hide.
I'm looking for a parking space to rent but there's nothing suitable for me currently advertised, what can I do?
When you create an account (free) you can save your searches and should any new spaces in the search area become available you will receive an email notification. Hide.
What happens if my car is damaged/broken into/stolen while in the parking space?
As with any other car park you may use you park at your own risk at all times. This isn’t to say that the appropriate site managers won’t take care and effort to try to keep the site as safe and secure as possible but should anyone be so determined to get access and cause trouble there will be little that will stop them. This is no different to parking in local Pay & Display car parks or public access multi-storeys. Hide.
I've seen a parking space I am interested in, can I just turn up and start usage?
No, that is not how the rental of a parking space works. You must complete the brief application through the website which will guide you through to your first usage. Hide.
User-related Questions
What hours can I use the parking space?
Unless otherwise stated in the advert and agreement form, you will have exclusive right of usage of the parking space 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Hide.
If I give notice to cancel the agreement how is the last payment made?
For Silver and Gold service level users, once you give your notice to cancel your agreement, you must not cancel your Direct Debit at the same time. We will revise the payment value for the last payment which will be made on the first working day of the final month and this will cover your usage for the remainder of your agreement. For instance if your termination date was 9th May the payment taken from your account on 1st May by Direct Debit would only cover the period 1st to 9th May. For Bronze service level users you should arrange your last payment through your space supplier directly. Hide.
How will the space supplier know the correct person is using their space?
At the start of new agreements we will issue a Parking Space Rentals permit to you which you should stick to the inside of your windscreen. One permit is supplied free, additional permits cost £5.00 per item. The permit identifies you are one of our customers, provides our contact details in the event of any problems or queries and shows you have been given permission to park where you are parking. Some car parks require a specific permit which is not issued directly by us; if this is the case this permit should always be displayed rather than any Parking Space Rentals permit. Hide.
What if I lose my permit or forget to put it in the windscreen?
In this case you must contact our office immediately and ideally before you park in the space again. We cannot take any responsibility for any parking enforcement activity or associated cost that you may be subject to between the time you make use of the space without the permit and a replacement being received. PSR-issued permits cost £5.00 to replace and will be despatched to you on the day of request as long as they are ordered before 4pm. At some sites, where their own permit is issued the cost and time for replacement may be different; the space supplier or ourselves will be able to advise you of this as appropriate. In some rare cases, due to your action of losing or forgetting the permit it may be necessary for you to make alternative arrangements for parking for the period until the replacement arrives at your own cost in additional to the usual costs for the rental of your space. Hide.
Can I have an invoice/receipt for the first or on-going monthly payment?
Yes, this isn't a problem. Email accounts@parkingspacerentals.co.uk and we will arrange for this to be set up for you. You will automatically receive a receipt of your first payment by email and downloadable invoices will shortly be available through your account section of the website. Hide.
Is VAT payable on top of the rental charges?
No, the price you see on the website is the price you pay. Hide.
Is there a VAT element to the monthly rental charge that I can reclaim?
No there isn't. Whilst we are VAT registered our service is the advertising or management of the parking space which the space supplier is charged for; that service incurs the VAT charge and not the rental transaction. Hide.
How is the deposit returned to me at the end of the agreement?
On the Bronze service level you will need to arrange this through your space supplier and you should contact them directly. On the Silver service level your space supplier will confirm the condition of any access equipment to us within a few days after the end of the agreement and the appropriate deposit refund will be made directly to your bank account by BACS transfer. On the Gold service level Parking Space Rentals will process the appropriate deposit refund shortly after the end of the agreement following receipt of any access equipment and this will be sent directly to your bank account by BACS transfer. Hide.
Who holds my deposit and how do I know it is safe?
On the Bronze service level you will pay the deposit directly to the space supplier and it will be held by them for the duration of any agreement you set up with them. We recommend ensuring the deposit value and conditions for returns are set out clearly in any paperwork you sign with them. On the Silver and Gold service levels the deposit is held by Parking Space Rentals on your behalf; we abide by the Code of Professional Conduct set out by the British Parking Association to ensure you the highest level of professionalism and customer service. Ultimately we’re in business to make money over the long-term, taking deposit money and not returning it without just cause would not only hurt the reputation we have worked so hard to build for almost ten years but most likely lose your business which defeats the reason we are in operation in the first place. Hide.
Is there a fixed minimum term of usage?
The minimum period is normally the same as the notice period so you don’t have to sign up for 3 or 6 months unless it is stipulated as a requirement for that particular parking space (which would be unusual). If you want to secure a space for a minimum term of 6 or 12 months for peace of mind please contact us through the website and we’ll try to arrange it for you. Hide.
How long can I rent the space for?
Our spaces are normally available long-term however suppliers may provide further information on this in the adverts. In a lot of cases, the space is likely to be available for as long as you want it. Hide.
I need more than one space, can I have a discount?
Whilst we are advertising spaces on behalf of our suppliers the spaces are not necessarily supplied by the same supplier, even when at the same site. If the multiple spaces you are interest in are supplied by the same supplier they may be willing to offer a discount – check the space advert notes for “multiple spaces available” Hide.
I have use of multiple vehicles; will it be ok to park different vehicles in my space?
Yes, this won't necessarily be a problem but it will depend on the particular site in terms of whether you need to display a permit and consequently have more than one available for your use. Most of the time you are fine to move any permit issued to you from one vehicle to the next as you need to. Hide.
I have a high van, will it fit in the space?
Each site is different so the best thing to do is contact us through the website with the height of your vehicle and location you're looking for a space and we'll try to match you with something appropriate. Hide.
Why is the deposit so high?
It covers the cost of any access equipment you’re provided to enable access to the car park; remote controls and swipe cards can vary in price from £20 up to £100. It also covers oil leakage in the space along with any damage that may occur to the shutter/gates and other fixtures in the car park as a result of your actions. Hide.
How do I know the space supplier is able to rent their space out?
In the terms and conditions agreed to by the supplier they must confirm they are able to rent their space out. It is very rare in our experience for someone to try to rent out a space they have no entitlement to but you should feel free to ask for proof from the supplier that they are able to do so; a tenancy agreement, ground rent statement or management charge invoice are all good examples of documents people will have as proof. Use your common sense too, if you have any reason to be suspicious ask more questions of the supplier and ask to see documentation. If any access equipment is required to get into the car park and the supplier has this available for your use it is normally a good sign they have rights of usage of the parking space however this will not provide 100% confirmation of that right. Hide.
How do I pay for the parking space?
The first payment, which normally comprises the balance of the calendar month after the first day of usage plus the deposit, is made during the application process and by debit or credit card through our website. Business users can opt to pay this first payment by other methods. Should application for the parking space happen after the 18th monthly then your first payment is likely to include full payment for your second month (first full month) as well as the deposit and the pro-rata payment for the balance of the first month. This is to do with the time it takes to set up your direct debit payment. Hide.
Why do I have to pay for the second month (first full month) as well as the deposit and pro-rata payment for the balance of the first month in the first payment?
Due to the time it takes to set up a Direct Debit on your bank account there is a cut off date for new Direct Debit submissions. This cut off date is the 18th monthly for new debits to start from the 1st of the next month. If you apply for a space after the 18th monthly the Direct Debit can not take payment until the 1st day of the second full month leaving payment for one month outstanding which we simply collect with the first invoice. Hide.
When is the regular Direct Debit payment taken?
The Direct Debit payment is always taken on the 1st working day of each month; we are unable to accept payment being made on any other day. Hide.
Why is there a surcharge for paying by credit card?
Paying by debit card is free due to the low transaction charges associated with debit card payments however we get charged a significant percentage of the transaction value for credit card payments and it is therefore necessary to pass this additional cost on to anyone choosing to pay by credit card. Whilst we could alter our prices to allow credit card charges to be included it would mean everyone would have to pay more which would be unfair to some customers. Hide.
Will the rental cost of my space change after I move in?
Suppliers do have the right to change the rental cost of the parking space with 30 days advance notice however we urge them to bear in mind that any increase should be a small increment, something like £5.00 or £10.00 to ensure it does not price you out of the parking space. After all, they only make money when someone is paying to use the parking space. We also advise against making any increase more than once a year. To secure yourself against price increases you may wish to set a minimum term (3, 6, 9 or 12 months or more) for the agreement to ensure you keep the current price. This should be done at the time of application. Contact us through the website if you wish to do this. Hide.
The company I work for wants to pay for a parking space for me, what should I do?
That isn't a problem. You should apply for the parking space as a business user and complete the registration on behalf of your company. Make sure you get written permission, email is fine, from someone authorised within your business to agree the payment terms if you are not. Hide.
Can I get a parking space at a cheaper rate if I sign up long term?
Not usually. Some suppliers may be willing to take a slight rental reduction per month, but we have found from experience that most spaces are in high demand and the suppliers know they can achieve the full asking price per month without any difficulty. We can always ask the supplier for you if you wish (contact us through the website) however you run the risk of someone else applying for the space in the meantime which means you could miss out. Hide.
Can I get a parking space cheaper if I pay for X months up front?
Not usually. Some suppliers may be willing to take a slight rental reduction per month, but we have found from experience that most spaces are in high demand and the suppliers know they can achieve the full asking price per month without any difficulty on a month-to-month basis. Hide.
Can I make an offer against the advertised price of a parking space?
Yes, the website does provide a facility for you to do this when viewing some of the space adverts however if this feature isn't shown to you then the supplier is not willing to take an offer. The offer will be sent to the supplier for consideration automatically but the final decision is usually down to them. If supply is short and demand in that area is highly, it's unlikely a lower offer will be accepted. By making an offer you also run the risk that someone willing to pay full price may take the space first. Hide.
Do I still pay for the space when I am on holiday?
Yes. You rent the space on a 24/7 access basis (unless agreed otherwise by PSR or the supplier). You can use it as much or as little as you like but you are responsible for paying for it as required by the agreement for the full duration of the agreement. Sometimes you can let a friend use the space whilst you are away and get them to pay you for its use. Hide.
What happens if someone else parks in my space?
Should you find someone else parked in your space you must, under no circumstances, park in another empty space in the car park unless you are specifically advised to do so by your space supplier (Bronze or Silver) or Parking Space Rentals. The normal procedure would be to check the car park for any parking enforcement signs and then report the unauthorised vehicle to the enforcement agents. They will often be able to advise you of another parking space you may be able to use. If they can’t you should leave the car park and make other parking arrangements for the day; using another space you have seen vacant in the car park runs the risk of your vehicle being subject to enforcement also and only you will be responsible for any associated costs. Hide.
I'm having a lot of trouble with other cars parking in my space, what should I do?
Talk to your space supplier about it and ask them to help. Keep reporting the cars to any parking enforcement companies who operate at the car park. It can be useful to leave a polite note on the windscreen of any offending vehicle letting them know they shouldn’t park there again. The next step would be to affix a sign at the back or side of the parking space showing the space number and your vehicle registration number and saying this space is reserved for that vehicle. Cable ties, blu-tac or grab adhesive work well to secure the signs in place. The last step is to ask the space supplier to fund the installation of a folding, lockable parking post in the space to ensure no one can get in without the key. Hide.
My access equipment (remote control, swipe card etc) doesn't seem to be working properly, what should I do?
When the battery in a remote control starts to lose power you will find any light on it starts to glow less bright when in use and the range from which the remote will operate is significantly reduced. Simply changing the battery will fix this; batteries can be found very easily at Maplin stores (www.Maplin.co.uk) who will often change the battery too if asked nicely and online at many shops including eBay. Parking Space Rentals do stock a supply of the most popular types of battery and can send one to you for self-installation at a small charge. If you wish us to replace the battery for you there will be an additional charge of £10.00 plus the battery. Swipe cards generally don’t have batteries and can be damaged by exposure to magnetic items such as car speakers or magnetic access fobs (common in some office buildings). If these stop working a new card will normally be required at your cost. Contact your space supplier to arrange this. No space supplier can be held responsible for misuse, damage, loss or malfunctioning of any access equipment not given proper care and attention by its user. Whilst such items can genuinely fail for innocent reasons, in which case you will not be liable for replacement/repair costs, this is a rare occurrence. Hide.
I've left my access equipment at home/the office or left it in the car. I’m stuck outside, what should I do?
Normally the car parks are busy places and people come and go all the time, if you wait around for a little while someone else is bound to be able to let you in. If this doesn’t work try waiting by the front door of the development and access the car park from there. Normally only one piece of access equipment comes per space so the space supplier will not have a spare available to let you in with. Hide.
Supplier-related Questions
What are the fees for renting a space through you?
See the Costs and Charges section of our website for further information on this. Hide.
Will I need to pay tax on any rental income I receive?
This is something you will need to seek professional advice on from an accountant or a tax adviser. Parking Space Rentals is unable to advise you as the answer is likely to depend on your personal tax circumstances. Hide.
How safe is it for me to rent out my parking space in terms of any liability?
The terms and conditions used in the Silver and Gold service levels have been carefully constructed using years of experience in this field to give you the highest levels of protection possible. You are protected from liability for personal accident and vehicular damage and the agreement clearly states all users park at their own risk as they would in any ordinary car park. On the Bronze service level it is important you put together an agreement form to be signed by both parties to ensure you remain adequately protected from liability. Hide.
Once the space is rented out am I ever able to use it again for exceptional deliveries etc?
We would generally recommend avoiding situations where this is necessary because of the inconvenience to the space user but if you absolutely cannot manage without use of the space for a short period of time we suggest you contact the user (for Bronze and Silver service levels) well in advance and ask if they would be willing to park elsewhere for the duration required with you paying for the alternative parking costs. The user is within their rights to say no however most people are quite reasonable and willing to help in exceptional circumstances. On the Gold service level please contact Parking Space Rentals who will make the enquiries for you. Hide.
What if the user continues to park in my space beyond the end of the agreement period?
This might just be a minor oversight with some confusion over the end date and is not something that happens regularly. Bronze suppliers will need to contact the space user to ensure they know when they are leaving and collect payment for the duration of any final usage. Silver suppliers should ensure the end date has been confirmed with the user and let Parking Space Rentals know if there has been any over-stay so payment for it can be collected. Gold suppliers can rest assured this is something Parking Space Rentals will be keeping an eye on for them. Any parking in the space beyond the end of the agreement period is an illegal act and parking enforcement activities can be carried out if necessary but we would recommend not rushing into taking this action. Hide.
I don't recognise the car in my space today, what should I do?
Bronze and Silver suppliers should not call for any parking enforcement until they have been able to speak with the space user to confirm if the vehicle is theirs or whether it is unauthorised. Gold suppliers should simply report their concern to Parking Space Rentals who will make the necessary enquiries. Hide.
How will I be paid following the rental of my space?
Our monthly payment cycle for space suppliers is the 15th to 20th of each calendar month. You can expect to receive your first payment in the next payment cycle following use of your space. For instance if the rental starts on the 10th April you will get a payment for the period 10th to 30th April between the 15th and 20th April by BACS transfer into your nominated bank account. If the rental starts on the 21st April you will be due a payment for the period 21st to 30th April between the 15th and 20th May. At that time you would also receive your payment for the period 1st to 31st May. Hide.
Can I let multiple spaces through you?
Yes you can and depending on the number of spaces we may also be able to offer reduced fee rates. Contact us through the links on the homepage slides or alternatively by email at multiplespaces@parkingspacerentals.co.uk Hide.
I'm worried about how renting a space out will affect the security of the development I live in. How can you guarantee your customers won't cause trouble?
This is a very common concern and one we have generally found to be unwarranted. Customers paying to rent a parking space are paying a premium for the security the site has to offer and our experience tells us they are generally more careful, cautious and conscientious than existing residents who have got lazy with normal security procedures such as waiting on both sides of the car park shutter for it to close behind them before driving away. Any individuals who are wanting to cause problems are highly unlikely to set up an account with all their contact information, agree to a legally-binding agreement and make a payment to us by card. Hide.