Tiara Rental Parking

With the recent discussions about parking lots in Tiara Damansara, a resident wrote to enquire about the parking lot rental system. Some of the questions asked were:

· How long is the waiting list for a rental lot?

· Can you choose which lot you want? (closer to your own unit)

· What is the system used for allocation of lots?

· Is this system fair? Can it be changed?

This article is an attempt to answer the above questions, to further discuss the rental system, and to get feedback from readers.

When the Tiara Management Council first created parking lots for rent in 2001, the response was over­whelming. In the first year, residents had to wait in line to register for the lots. The following year, knowing the limited supply, residents queued before dawn to ensure they got choice lots. However, the year after, to avoid another rush, Management decided to allow those who already had lots to keep their bays for another year. Those who did not get rental lots but wanted one would then put their names on a Waiting List. And as and when lots became available these would be offered to those on the List on a first come, first served basis.

Management then also decided to allow those with rented lots to renew their lots indefinitely — but with several conditions attached: the renter had to pay in advance not only the rental sum for three months(one quarter) but the service charge for those months as well; each unit was allowed only one rented lot, and the renter was to use that lot for the designated vehicle only; the lot should also not be left unused. These, and other conditions, were put down in agreements and signed by the renter. Management though, had the right to rescind the lot at any time for whatever fair reason - for example, when Management took back lots to accommodate parking for visitors at King's Gate.

Initially there were as many as 40 - 50 names on the Waiting List. However, now, after 5 years, there are only about 20 names, even though the number of lots available had not increased much. The guess here is that residents are now accepting the reality that parking is limited within Tiara, and have adapted accordingly.

As the lots are rented on a 3-month basis, some become available at the end of each quarter when a renter moves out, sells his vehicle, etc., hence TMC cannot guarantee a time frame when a unit can be available for the next person on the Waiting List. From past history, the wait may take up to 6 months (2 quarters), or even a year or more if a renter prefers one close to his residence.

When a lot becomes available the person atop the List is offered the bay. But should that person refuse the lot because it is far from his residence, the lot is offered to the next person. So, technically, if a person wishes to choose a lot close to his residence, he has to be prepared to wait longer until a nearby lot becomes available.

Nevertheless, some residents who have not been successful getting a lot and have been on the Waiting List for some time, have questioned the fairness of the current system. They argue that the existing system is unfair since it is weighted in favour of current renters who are allowed to keep their lots for as long as they wish.

These disgruntled residents propose a "rotational system" where a time frame is given to the current renters, after which they would have to give up their lots to others. Then, in the next cycle, those could get their lots again.

On the other hand, proponents of the current system argue that the current system is fair, as it rewards "long time" residents. They state that they had stayed in Tiara and rented the lots for a long time. They had started by awaiting their turn and hence it would be unfair if someone new who had just moved in should get a rented lot. The newcomer should await his turn, like they had to, in the past, and in due course get to keep the lot given him for as long as he would like to have it.

As to whether the system needs to be changed, the Management Council had looked into this matter last year and decided to leave it to the residents to give their feedback. The following alternatives were given:

1. Queuing Up:This was the original system. Renters are only allowed a fixed period after which the queuing is repeated.

2. Rotational Waiting List:In this system renters are only allowed a fixed time period, after which they revert to the bottom of the Waiting List whilst others at the top get their turn.

3. Drawing of Lots: Applicants draw numbers. Whoever gets number 1 gets to pick a lot first, number 2, the second, and so on until all the lots are taken up.Again, renters are only allowed a fixed time period after which the process is repeated.

4. Tender/Bidding Basis: Applicants put in a tender price that they are willing to pay for a specific rental lot. Once the tenders are closed the bids are opened and whoever bid the highest for a specific lot gets the bay. This system is similar to the JPJ tender for car registration licence plates and reflects a free-market system. However, opponents of this system say that it favours the "richer" residents.

In all the above alternatives there is a fixed time period (most likely a year) after which the whole process has to be repeated, a time consuming and major task in itself. One good thing about the current system is that since the tenancy period is indefinite, there is less headache not only for those renting, but for Management as well.

Management requested feedback from residents through survey forms. One of the questions asked was whether residents wanted the current system changed and, if so which of the alternative systems listed above was preferred.

The results of the survey showed that more than 60%of those who sent in the forms chose to keep the existing system. Not surprising, really, considering that those who had lots preferred to keep their lots for as long as they wanted. Those without lots, naturally, cried foul and wanted the system changed. But the voice of the majority was taken into consideration, and thus the status quo remained.

Thus, it appears as though the current system is here to stay. And since the prospect of creating additional parking lots in the near future seems unlikely, new or prospective residents have to accept the fact that if they need a parking lot for their second car, they have to await their turn.