A garage usually offers a lot of storage space.
However, it should primarily accommodate cars and other motor vehicles;
otherwise there could be hefty fines.
Kassel – Whether it’s Christmas decorations, bicycles or tools – a lot can accumulate in a household that you need but don’t have a fixed place in the apartment.
What to do with things when the basement or attic is already full?
Many then come up with the idea of “parking” things in the garage;
the car can switch to the street instead.
There may be space, but it's not a good idea.
There are restrictions for motorists not only on the streets.
In most states it is also illegal to use the garage as a storage space instead of a parking space and can result in hefty penalties.
In the worst case, tenants are threatened with being kicked out.
In order to relieve public space: Building regulations provide for a garage for parking the vehicle
According to the ADAC, the reason for the ban is that the road should not be used if vehicles can also be parked in the garage.
Proper use of the garage should relieve public space of parked cars.
This is what the building laws of many federal states provide.
"Properly" in this context means accommodating motor vehicles in it, explains ADAC lawyer Klaus Heimgärtner on the automobile club's website.
For example, the Hessian Building Code (HBO) states: “Garages are fully or partially enclosed spaces for parking motor vehicles.
[...] Necessary parking spaces and necessary parking spaces must not be misused."
The purpose of the garage is for cars, motorcycles and the like
But where does the misappropriation begin?
Adding their two-wheelers to the fleet is not unusual for many consumers.
Some may have converted their garage into a hobby room, complete with a dartboard and television.
And if you are handy, you probably have your workbench stored in it.
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There probably wouldn't even be enough space for a Smart here.
If the garage looks like this, there could be trouble with the landlord or the authorities.
Because the actual purpose is to park your motor vehicle in it.
© IMAGO
If bicycles, workbenches and the like can rest next to the car without any problems, there shouldn’t be any legal objections, explains ADAC expert Heimgärtner.
But always under the premise that they do not impede the vehicle;
the garage primarily accommodates the car or motorcycle and their accessories.
It becomes problematic when the actual car parking space is so full of other clutter that the car no longer fits in, says Heimgärtner.
Gas grill is an absolute no-go in the garage - bicycles are tolerated next to the car
In addition, there are fire protection reasons that prohibit storing many things in the garage.
Explosive substances in particular are therefore absolutely taboo.
That also includes the gas grill;
and care should be taken when using it.
So what is allowed in the garage;
and what not?
The ADAC sums it up like this:
This is allowed in the garage: | This is forbidden in the garage: |
|---|---|
Summer or winter tires | junk |
Luggage rack for the car roof | party room |
Antifreeze, engine oil, window cleaner (in moderate amounts) | Gas grill and gas bottles |
jack | Explosive and flammable substances |
Bicycles are usually tolerated by the authorities in the garage as long as they do not make parking more difficult.
Therefore, the ADAC advises hanging up the wheels.
If the garage is part of a rented apartment, both are legally regarded as one unit.
According to the ADAC, the use of the garage can therefore be stipulated in the rental agreement.
If the landlord does not tolerate anything but the vehicle, tenants should better comply.
If they don't do that, it justifies terminating the apartment, explains ADAC lawyer Heimgärtner.
Junk in the garage instead of a car?
In Hesse, a fine of 10,000 euros can flourish
It looks a little less strict for homeowners.
But even they are not exempt from the rule, the ADAC clarifies.
Only: Where there is no plaintiff, there is no judge.
It is unlikely that an employee of the public order office will impose a penalty for improper use of the garage in passing.
Strict monitoring of these is not a priority for the authorities, says Heimgärtner.
On the other hand, you should be careful not to do gardening at certain times.
However, those who are in a clinch with their neighbors could have significantly worse cards.
The authorities usually only intervene when the administrative offense is reported by a third party.
And that could be expensive: According to bussgeldkataloge.de
, for example, the state of Hesse plans
a fine of up to 10,000 euros.
It is also legally possible to have the garage demolished.
But you don't have to say goodbye to a hobby room in the garage.
If you want to - for example because you don't own a car - you can obtain a permit for other uses from the responsible authority.
(Romina Kunze)
List of rubrics: © IMAGO