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Balcony restrictions extend to prohibiting laundry activities as well

Enjoying the warm days on the balcony is a sought-after spot. Yet, it's vital to remember that not everything is permissible in this area. Here are some guidelines for balconies...

Balcony restrictions extended: even laundering is forbidden
Balcony restrictions extended: even laundering is forbidden

Balcony restrictions extend to prohibiting laundry activities as well

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Living in a German apartment often includes the luxury of a balcony, providing a space to enjoy the outdoors and make the most of warm summer days. However, it's essential to remember that balconies are not lawless zones, and following a few rules can ensure an undisturbed grilling, sunbathing, gardening, and summer enjoyment experience for everyone.

Firstly, barbecuing on balconies is not generally prohibited by law, but restrictions often exist in rental contracts, house rules, or municipal regulations. Tenants should check their rental agreement or ask their landlords before barbecuing. To avoid conflicts, barbecuing should be done considerately, using low-smoke equipment like electric grills, limiting barbecuing to early evening hours, and considering wind direction to prevent smoke from bothering neighbours.

Court rulings show variation in acceptable barbecuing frequency, ranging from a few times per year up to about four times per month, depending on the region and specific cases. The general rule is to avoid excessive smoke and smoke nuisance to neighbours.

Noise restrictions, called Ruhezeit, legally require keeping noise low during certain hours, such as 1-3 pm and night times. Loud noises from balconies (such as parties or loud music) could be forbidden during these quiet times. Rental agreements might also impose stricter noise rules.

Installing solar devices, known as Balkonkraftwerk (balcony solar power stations), is popular and legal under German regulations, provided they comply with power output limits (up to 800 watts), are plug-and-play, and don't require major building modifications or landlord permission.

Tenants should generally avoid activities on balconies that cause private nuisance, such as excessive smoke, noise, or obstruction, as this can lead to complaints or legal disputes. Ordinary, considerate use of balconies is usually protected, but excessive interference with neighbours’ enjoyment may not be allowed.

Potential pitfalls to avoid include ignoring restrictions in rental contracts or house rules regarding balcony use or barbecuing, causing smoke or odours that interfere with neighbours, barbecuing too frequently or during prohibited hours, sounding loud music or organising noisy gatherings on balconies during quiet hours, using disposable or charcoal grills when only electric ones are allowed, and installing solar equipment without confirming compliance with power limits or tenant rules.

The balcony can be adorned with furniture, sun umbrellas, privacy screens, or decorations, but changes to the facade require landlord's consent. A case from a residential complex from the 70s illustrates the potential damage that overflowing water from flower boxes can cause to a new facade, leading to a ban on outside flower boxes.

Overall, the key is to be considerate of neighbours, follow local and building rules, and limit noise and smoke pollution to avoid conflicts when using a balcony in Germany. A tenant's freedom on their balcony may be more limited than they think, but with a little research and common sense, it's possible to enjoy all that a balcony has to offer while respecting the rights of others.

A consumer might invest in low-smoke equipment for their fashion-and-beauty barbecue accessories, ensuring they comply with the rules for using balconies, and thus maintain a considerate lifestyle. On the other hand, a home-and-garden enthusiast should consider the restrictions on installing outside flower boxes to prevent damaging the building's facade and causing private nuisance.

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