What is Tandem Parking and How to Navigate It

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Sometimes when you're apartment hunting, you get lucky. You score the perfect apartment in the coolest neighborhood for a rent you can afford. And even better? Your roommate seems pretty cool. The garage parking was a nice surprise, but then you learn you and your roommate will both have to share a space. Wait … how do two people share one parking space?

What is tandem parking?

Tandem parking is one parking space that can accommodate two cars. It is two car lengths long and allows one car to pull into the space behind another car already there. More people own cars now and expect parking on-site or close to their homes. Tandem parking allows buildings to accommodate more cars in a smaller space.

Where is tandem parking most common?

Tandem parking is most common in new apartment buildings or recently renovated complexes. Previously, landlords only allowed one or two spaces per unit. But now as people are working more and living with roommates for longer stretches of time, each person needs somewhere to store their car that's safe and accessible.

Apartment complexes are making this shift toward tandem parking because much like the apartments upstairs, space comes at a premium.

How to deal with tandem parking?

Many spaces are very narrow and difficult to maneuver, especially if you drive a big car or SUV. So don't be surprised if your car doors catch more dings and dents. You also run the risk of getting stuck in the space because your roommate isn't there to move their car for you. If your shared tandem parking spot is causing you both stress, it's time to reassess and take a closer look at how you approach the situation.

1. Get on a schedule

If you and your roommate both work similar hours, congratulations. This is the perfect parking solution for you. If you leave in the mornings and arrive in the evenings within 15 to 30 minutes of each other, then it shouldn't really cause that much of a hassle for either of you. But if you're not, then it's going to take a lot more planning… especially if you work different hours.

If one of you works earlier and the other works later, then the morning person will find themselves stuck in the spot because the night person is still sleeping. When the later-working roommate is on their way home, the morning-worker roommate can meet the other in the garage and move their car. Acknowledge there will be some challenges and hiccups with this arrangement and coordinate on a schedule that works for both of your schedules.

2. Share your spare key

This is likely your most practical solution. If you share a fridge and a bathroom, you probably won't also mind sharing a parking space. But this scenario also means sharing access to your car.

If one roommate has to leave for work early in the morning, they will move the other roommate's car out of the way first. Then, after they get their car out of the space, they move the other car back into the space.

The downside of this, other than being a time-consuming hassle, is that it increases the likelihood of low-speed accidents. These are things like dented bumpers, broken headlights and taillights, or scratched paint. These aren't budget-draining expenses, but it's money nobody ever really wants to spend.

So treat your roommate's car with as much care as you treat yours. You may also want to consider adding each other to your respective car insurance policies. Accidents happen, so it never hurts proactively prepare.

3. Rotate week to week

Tandem parking is tricky to navigate and we feel you for wanting to avoid the whole situation. So keep the space, but rotate who gets to use it week to week.

One roommate uses the space while the other finds street-level parking. It is inconvenient when it's raining or those odd nights when you just can't seem to find a parking space.

Both roommates can use the space when one is out of town or those rare occasions when your schedules line up perfectly. If your neighborhood has alternate side parking rules, you may want to set regular reminders in your calendar to avoid costly and annoying parking tickets.

4. Get a second space

If your building has parking spaces to spare, it is worth talking to your management office or landlord about each of you having your own space. If your building has multiple unoccupied spots, ask if you can park in an empty one until it's assigned. They may work with you, but if not, it's still worth the investment. The money you'd save on time and convenience alone would make it worth it.

5. Commute to work a few days a week

In addition to taking some of the pressure off the parking situation, walking or taking public transportation is better for you, better for your health and better for the planet. Plus removing the regular annoyances of traffic and finding a parking space will make your workday just a little less stressful.

6. Alternate your WFH days

The truth is a lot of us are still working from home at least a few days a week. So in the short term, tandem parking is a manageable inconvenience. This will still require some schedule coordination, but this will give you both a little breathing room with your living situation as well. Alternating the days you work from home with your roommate ensures that you're not working on top of each other and it gives you both access to a safe, clean, quiet space.

Park it here

Tandem parking is a new way of doing something you already know. For those reasons, it is frustrating, especially when pulling in and out of a long narrow spot. But with some patience, a little communication and a schedule you can both stick to, you'll be out on the open road feeling the breeze in your hair in no time.