Private owners and condominiums

Private parking space occupied: what can you do in Switzerland?

Owners, tenants and condominiums can document unauthorised parking, choose between a warning and a compensation request, and follow the case.

Who may report unauthorised parking?

The report must be made by the person entitled to use the space or by someone they have authorised. Depending on the site, this may include:

the owner of the space
the tenant to whom the space is assigned
an authorised member or representative of the condominium
a property manager, caretaker or appointed employee
a security company or another expressly authorised third party

Security Parking may request documents proving the right to the space or the authority granted.

Act as the entitled person or an authorised representative
Up to four photographs to document the situation
Warning or compensation request depending on the case
Occasional use available without an account

What signage is needed for private or condominium parking in Switzerland?

Signs should clearly state that spaces are private or reserved, who may use them and which conditions apply: maximum stay, parking disc, permit, registered plate or operating hours. Private spaces, common areas and visitor spaces may need separate rules. A judicial parking ban, where one exists, must be visibly displayed; it is a separate legal route from a civil compensation request.

How should the case be documented?

Clear documentation makes the case easier to understand and process.

Take a photograph on site

The first photograph is taken at the location so that the report is recorded in context.

Complete the evidence

Up to four photographs can show the plate, vehicle, signs and wider situation.

Check the details

The reporting person checks the recognised plate, date, time, address and other details before saving.

Place the ticket

The ticket informs the motorist and gives access to the case with its reference and plate.

Warning or compensation request?

A warning may suit a first case, recently changed signs or a need to change established habits. A compensation request may be preferable for repeated conduct, clear rules or significant obstruction. The entitled person remains in control of the response.

The particular case of condominiums

In a condominium, private or exclusive-use spaces must be distinguished from common areas and visitor spaces. The rules, decisions and authorisations given to the manager, caretaker, co-owner or service provider determine who may act.

With or without an account

For an occasional case, Security Parking can be used without an account, with a valid email address and confirmation of the right to the space. An account makes regular follow-up of several spaces, users and cases easier. The case remains accessible using its reference and plate.

An unknown vehicle is occupying my private space

Frequently asked questions about private and condominium parking

What should I do if a vehicle occupies my private space?

Check the signs and your right to the space, then document the vehicle on site. Choose a warning or compensation request according to the circumstances.

Can a tenant report a vehicle?

Yes, when the space is assigned to them and they can evidence their right of use. They may also authorise someone to act for them.

Who may act for condominium visitor spaces?

The person or organisation authorised by the condominium, such as its manager, caretaker, co-owner or appointed provider.

Is a judicial parking ban mandatory?

No. It is not essential to document unauthorised parking and consider a civil claim. Where one exists, it provides a separate legal route.

Is signage always sufficient?

It is essential, but must correspond to the rights over the space and the rules actually applied. The circumstances, evidence and authority of the reporting person also matter.

Find out more

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