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Original poster

What's the worst that could happen if I advertised a parking space that doesn't belong to me?

267 replies

ParkMyFace · 24/07/2023 23:20

I live in an estate with one parking space per apartment. Quite a few of the parking spaces are never used because people don't have cars. I've lived here for years and know which ones they are. Also I am brassic. If I advertised on a parking site that they were available to rent, and collected money, even though they're not mine, what's the worst that would happen? I don't mind paying money back but I don't want to go to jail.

OP posts:
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5
IncompleteSenten · 27/07/2023 03:21

You're being too hard on yourself.
Yes, you had a monumentally daft idea but you quickly realised it and it's because despite working full time you're barely making ends meet and you have caring responsibilities too. Things are hard enough for you without you being hard on yourself too.

PimpMyFridge · 27/07/2023 07:18

Rooting for you op.
You and your DD sound ace and your mum clearly did a great job as you are being a lovely DD supporting her and you are not a f* up!

JenWillsiam · 27/07/2023 07:51

ParkMyFace · 26/07/2023 21:38

No, I'm not frauding and never have.

My benefit claim ends at the end of this month. I have been getting universal credit up to this point because my wage is low. I work full time and declare all my earnings. Such as they are.

And were you planning on declaring this? No of course. Hence fraud. Universal credit is a benefit.

sarah419 · 27/07/2023 08:47

what if the person who pays you to use the space gets a ticket?

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 09:35

I think if you start at just a day at a time you'll see what's happening before you commit to anyone long term . A website like park at my space. There is no point in doing it on behalf of others for a cut as by the time they cotton on they could just register with that website themselves that's what I'd do.

Do you have a WhatsApp or Facebook group for your building- in mine that would be the first place people starting asking 'what's happening?' And if they do I'd stop it.
If someone was expecting a visitor and couldn't park in own space they'd noticed, but from them complaining to anyone actually getting involved would take a long time.
You also presumably have to go outside and direct people to the space so if they are looking out of their window they would see or you'd be on cctv, or are they numbered? If you can just text and tell them whcih number to park in that's great.
Does the car park not have any signs saying that they'll be fined for parking there? It might be that people have their own spaces have to register their car to avoid a fine (unlikely if you've been parking your car there though)
I'd also use a fake name and photo on the website where you advertise.
Let us know how you get on!

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 09:36

MistyMorningMelons · 25/07/2023 08:04

If random cars were in my parking space regardless of if I was using it, I'd have them towed/clamped. If that happens then you'll suffer whatever the fallout is from the person you rented the space to. If it kept happening I'd report it to the building manager or whoever.

It's a massive pisstake and I'd find a way to stop it happening.

As has already been mentioned there is likely a clause about subletting(?) parking.

But before this stage people start leaving notes or posting in WhatsApp groups about it- op could stop at this stage

QuestionableMouse · 27/07/2023 09:52

Wigglewigglewitch · 25/07/2023 22:51

It’s insanely difficult to evict anyone, especially HA tenants so you’re unlikely to lose your home but it would cause massive hassle. Would you consider Only Fans? My friend does foot stuff and makes a decent amount.

Christ it's come to something when people are suggesting sex work as a way to make ends meet!

Balloonhearts · 27/07/2023 09:55

Could you use a food bank or community pantry scheme to save money on food bills?

Are you definitely claimng all you are entitled to?

The only other thing you can do is to change jobs for a higher wage. What are you earning now, what's your take home?

dawngreen · 27/07/2023 10:51

Any one see the newspaper article about the woman on a forum that got requests for pictures from guys. She got a decent amount of cash sending pictures. Until a tech guy pointed out the pictures were ai generated not her actual pictures lol.

WomanStanleyWoman2 · 27/07/2023 11:36

burnoutbabe · 26/07/2023 22:02

I do rent my own space out.

If I wanted to rent out another's space I would just obviously say I lived at x house and then create an email that says "I live at x honest" that went to me. Made up name.

App needs bank account to pay me -Parker doesn't know that. But maybe I could give a friends so name means nothing to the true owner. Mobile number -just use a virtual one or "burner" phone.

So yes if owner complained the app would remove the listing but they wouldn't know it was me. Abs doubt app would pursue anyone legally unless owner sued them somehow?

Tax wise, it's reportable but you also get £1000 tax free allowance for rental income so £80 per month ish is fine.

Show quote history

You don’t think the company behind the app would pursue someone who was renting out spaces that didn’t belong to them - therefore massively damaging the credibility and reputation of the company?

WomanStanleyWoman2 · 27/07/2023 11:39

JeandeServiette · 26/07/2023 21:36

I'll eat my fedora - raw - if she loses her tenancy over that.

Show quote history

You really don’t see how the illegal misuse of part of a housing development could cause the loss of a tenancy there?

burnoutbabe · 27/07/2023 11:49

You don’t think the company behind the app would pursue someone who was renting out spaces that didn’t belong to them - therefore massively damaging the credibility and reputation of the company?

@WomanStanleyWoman2

i don't think they probably would.
how it works - parker pays the app, each month i get payment.

So the real owner confronts parker one day - parker and owner get onto the app. App cancels the parking right away. so only money at that point is half a month.

i can't see how owner can sue the app - they may try and sue the app to give original renters details but those can easily be passed on - which of course would be adress of the owner, a bank account and an email/burner mobile.

then original owner could sue the fake owner but would have to track them down, relying on banks to provide owner of the bank account (would banks do that?).

so the app company won't chase the fake owner as they haven't lost much money and its hardly a massive story that would be all over the daily mail (maybe a small tightening of processes)

I am of course not advocating anyone does this, just pointing out its easily done and not much one can do afterwards to GET BACK THE RENT EARNED - but you can put a stop to it going forward.

Ginmonkeyagain · 27/07/2023 12:42

This is surely a lower level version of those scammers who list apartments that don't belong to them on Air BnB

LT1982 · 27/07/2023 13:56

....or she could just not commit fraud

JenWillsiam · 27/07/2023 14:04

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 09:35

I think if you start at just a day at a time you'll see what's happening before you commit to anyone long term . A website like park at my space. There is no point in doing it on behalf of others for a cut as by the time they cotton on they could just register with that website themselves that's what I'd do.

Do you have a WhatsApp or Facebook group for your building- in mine that would be the first place people starting asking 'what's happening?' And if they do I'd stop it.
If someone was expecting a visitor and couldn't park in own space they'd noticed, but from them complaining to anyone actually getting involved would take a long time.
You also presumably have to go outside and direct people to the space so if they are looking out of their window they would see or you'd be on cctv, or are they numbered? If you can just text and tell them whcih number to park in that's great.
Does the car park not have any signs saying that they'll be fined for parking there? It might be that people have their own spaces have to register their car to avoid a fine (unlikely if you've been parking your car there though)
I'd also use a fake name and photo on the website where you advertise.
Let us know how you get on!

Are you really encouraging criminal behaviour??

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 14:09

@JenWillsiam no I'm just answering her question as it's an interesting one. She's also admitted she already parks there herself sometimes and nothing happens.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 14:10

There are also websites where you can hire out your car- legal and maybe similar cash

JenWillsiam · 27/07/2023 14:10

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 14:09

@JenWillsiam no I'm just answering her question as it's an interesting one. She's also admitted she already parks there herself sometimes and nothing happens.

She is asking for advice on committing a criminal act. And you’re providing advice.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 14:28

@JenWillsiam are you sure it's criminal rather than a civil matter?

JeandeServiette · 27/07/2023 14:31

You really don’t see how the illegal misuse of part of a housing development could cause the loss of a tenancy there?

No I don't think a HA would evict for that @WomanStanleyWoman2 Not unless it was part of a long pattern of nuisance behaviour. HAs are not very efficient at doing anything anyway, and they don't make people homeless, even for serious anti social behaviour, without following a long process of warnings and second chances.

I don't think it's a great idea to do it, but I don't think eviction is the risk.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 14:34

Freesideofcringe · 26/07/2023 14:00

I think do a big poo in each car parking space as a test, and then see how well shitting on your literal doorstep works out for you.

😂😂

JeandeServiette · 27/07/2023 14:36

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 14:28

@JenWillsiam are you sure it's criminal rather than a civil matter?

OFC it's civil.

The parade of MNers announcing confidently that this that or the other would happen is hilarious.

Anyway, OP has realised it's a bad idea and outlined her situation and she clearly is in a tough spot so maybe input on that would be more constructive?

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 27/07/2023 14:41

@JeandeServiette yup I suggested she hires out her own car instead of the spaces

JenWillsiam · 27/07/2023 14:51

JeandeServiette · 27/07/2023 14:31

You really don’t see how the illegal misuse of part of a housing development could cause the loss of a tenancy there?

No I don't think a HA would evict for that @WomanStanleyWoman2 Not unless it was part of a long pattern of nuisance behaviour. HAs are not very efficient at doing anything anyway, and they don't make people homeless, even for serious anti social behaviour, without following a long process of warnings and second chances.

I don't think it's a great idea to do it, but I don't think eviction is the risk.

It really is. There is a huge shortage of HA properties, engagement in antisocial or criminal behaviour is grounds. This falls into both. And as private tenants / owners are likely to complain it’s a real risk.

JenWillsiam · 27/07/2023 14:52

JeandeServiette · 27/07/2023 14:36

OFC it's civil.

The parade of MNers announcing confidently that this that or the other would happen is hilarious.

Anyway, OP has realised it's a bad idea and outlined her situation and she clearly is in a tough spot so maybe input on that would be more constructive?

Show quote history

It’s criminal. I’m not sure why you think it’s not. Parking in the space is civil. Charging others is obtaining by deception / fraud.