The balcony is considered by many people to be an oasis of well-being.
But regardless of whether you are a tenant or an owner - not everything that seems normal on the balcony is also allowed.
In summer, when the days get warmer again, many use their balcony as a living room substitute: Here you can eat, have a barbecue or create a small green oasis.
But be careful: Some things that seem normal are forbidden on the balcony.
1. Barbecue on the balcony
In principle, a barbecue party on the balcony is permitted.
Nevertheless, barbecuing can be prohibited in the rental agreement or in the house rules.
In the worst case, anyone who disregards the ban faces termination.
In addition, there is often a clause in the rental agreement that prohibits grilling with charcoal.
The resulting smoke could be a nuisance to local residents.
In general, when barbecuing, you should be considerate when it comes to noise and odors.
If soot and smoke enter the neighbors' living rooms and bedrooms, the griller commits an administrative offense under the Immission Control Act.
However, before neighbors call the police, they should try to talk to the grill master.
From 10 p.m., when the night’s rest applies, the barbecue party should be moved indoors anyway.
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Whether juicy steaks or crunchy vegetables: grilling on the balcony is not always allowed.
© Westend61/Imago
2. Put the awning on the balcony
If you want to fix an awning on the balcony and have to drill into the outer wall or the balcony above, you are making a structural change.
However, these are prohibited unless they have been agreed with the landlord.
Alternatively, however, tenants can attach clamp awnings that are simply clamped between the floor and ceiling of the balcony.
3. Drying clothes on the balcony
Drying laundry on the balcony saves energy and the laundry smells nice and fresh again after a swim in the sun.
In principle, tenants should not be prohibited from drying “small laundry” (i.e. T-shirts, underwear, socks, etc.) on the balcony or in the apartment.
Even a clothesline can be stretched for it.
However, when drying large items of laundry such as bed sheets, it is worth taking a look at the house rules - specific rules can be set for this.
Also make sure that the laundry does not protrude over the edge of the balcony and that it does not disturb other tenants.
If you want to attach a drying rack to the house facade, you should discuss this structural change with the landlord beforehand.
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4. Smoking on the balcony
Smoking on the balcony is only allowed as long as it does not disturb the neighbors.
If they feel significantly impaired by the smoke, according to a court ruling, smoking can be restricted to certain times (file number V ZR 110/14).
In addition, an individual smoking ban can be stipulated in the rental agreement in the form of a clause that also applies to the balcony.
Come on bee, come on!
Ten flowers for the garden and balcony that attract insects
Come on bee, come on!
Ten flowers for the garden and balcony that attract insects
5. Not adequately securing flower boxes
If you want to fulfill your dream of a small green oasis on the balcony, you have to follow a few rules: Make sure that the flower boxes are adequately secured and cannot fall off the balcony, even in wind and weather.
You should also be considerate of your neighbors when watering flowers and make sure that not too much water drips down.
You should also avoid plants that spread excessively: climbing plants, for example, can change the appearance of the facade in such a way that it is equivalent to a structural change.
List of rubrics: © Westend61/Imago