14 days notice is regarded as minimum for many things, with 28 days for a considerable number of others.

Even 28 days can cause problems for people away from home for several weeks.

From what you've said it doesn't sound like enough notice was given. In my, admittedly limited, experience of tenancy agreements the standard notice normally mentioned for a variation of terms is one rental period, i.e. rental payable monthly then one month notice required, rental payable quarterly then a quarter notice.

Largely will depend on what's actually stated in your tenncy agreement but I think you should go to the Housing Association as first port of call as it would appear that there was an obvious delay in them sending out the permits.....

Hello Basil, firstly, do not part with any money at all. What you have is an invoice for a percieved breach of contract. The only way it can be enforced is through the Small Claims Court. This court is a civil court and works on the balance of probabilities and how reasonable contract terms are. In this case you clearly are a resident with rights to park. Also, through circumstance you were unaware of the new parking terms imposed, the balance of probabilities indicates you would have abided by the terms had you been aware. The mere technicality of a minor breach of terms will be secondary. Because it did not disadvantage or cause loss to the landlord. Therefore you are in a good position, so hold your nerve. However, I would approach the landlord, very politely and in writing, to explain your position and express your dismay at this invoice being issued. Request that they intervene and have their parking agent revoke the invoice, as you are prepared to defend a court case, which would incur them some costs when they lost. Send a copy of your letter to the parking company with a seperate letter to them stating that you are contesting the invoice and are willing to defend your case in court. Also when they lose, the costs will be born by them. State that no further correspondence will be entered into regarding this matter and you will consider a complaint against them of harrassment if they persist. The only correspondence you should take note of is from your landlord or the Small Claims Court. Don't worry about the court, is costs nothing to defend yourself and you will receive help from the officials about procedure, and you will win. I think you have more chance of a ride on Flipper than receive a court summons. Good luck and let us know the outcome. Cheers Concrete