A method for controlling a motorized flap assembly of a motor vehicle, wherein the flap assembly includes a pivotable flap, a drive arrangement associated with the flap and a control arrangement for controlling the drive arrangement. A position sensor for determining position information related to the position of a selected component of the flap assembly is associated with the flap assembly and movement commands for the drive arrangement are generated by the control arrangement based on the position information, to close the flap to an upright closed position during a motorized closing process and to open the flap to a horizontal open position during a motorized opening process. The pivoted open flap may be occupied by an object or a person. The position sensor detects the object or person based on at least one occupancy criterion and an occupancy reaction is triggered depending on the detected occupancy state.