Enjoying the Christmas spirit inside and out: this could be the leitmotif of lovers of
light garlands
, inflatable reindeer or Santa Claus figurines, carefully installed in gardens or on the facades of houses.
To discover
Christmas tree: all you need to know about the tree symbolizing the end of the year celebrations
True or false: fight against misconceptions about the garden
If these decorations are often reasonable, it can happen that the installation of an overzealous neighbor simply prevents you from sleeping.
Because even for
Christmas decorations
, there are rules to follow ...
Garlands and lightings: can you install whatever you want in your garden?
While you are completely free to put as many garlands and decorations as you want on your Christmas tree or inside your home, the same is not true for your outdoor decorations.
Unless your home is surrounded by 3 hectares of forest, your neighbors may be inconvenienced by too many flashing lights!
Before installing your decorations, it is therefore important to take into account your way of living.
Indeed, the regulations differ if you are in an apartment, a single-family house, a condominium or not ...
If you live in a condominium (horizontal or vertical) or in a subdivision, find out about the by-law, because it may include rules to be followed when installing your lights.
Whether it's an Advent wreath on your door, a garland on your window or larger decorations on your balcony, it's best to check that your decorations follow the rules set out in your
condominium regulations
.
If you are a tenant, you can ask your landlord for the rules.
Read also What are the height and distance rules for a fence wall?
Christmas decorations are often accepted as long as they do not damage the elements of the common areas (doorframes, facades, etc.) and that they are installed on a temporary basis.
But it is also possible that you may be asked to respect certain times to turn them on and especially to turn them off!
Fire hazards
Some condominiums may refuse electrical installations for fear of the risk of fire… It is important for your installations to purchase safe garlands.
The DGCCRF repeats it every Christmas: for your garlands, check the presence of the
CE mark
on the labels and / or boxes before purchasing.
The organization also recommends that you ensure "the reliability of the connection and avoid using the same electrical outlet for several devices".
Avoid unwanted pulling of the cable, which could separate it from the transformer and cause a short circuit.
Finally, don't leave string lights plugged in unattended all day or night.
If you live in a single-family house, the rules to follow will allow you greater latitude, as the impact on neighbors is less important.
Read alsoHedge: size, maintenance, regulations
Illuminations, video mapping and neighborhood: beware of noise pollution
If you live in a house, you may be tempted to install fairy lights or a video projector for your facade.
However, even if your neighbors are far away, you will need to be careful about the
noises
your decorations make.
As indicated in article R. 1334-31 of the public health code, "no particular noise must, by its duration, its repetition or its intensity, affect the tranquility of the neighborhood or the health of man. , in a public or private place, whether by a person himself or by the intermediary of a person, of a thing in his care or of an animal placed under its responsibility ".
So your decorations could be seen as a form of
nighttime fuss
.
In order to respect your neighborhood, you will be required to turn off music or screenings after 10 p.m.
Read alsoNoise pollution: what are the schedules to be respected to use your garden tools?
What to do in the event of light pollution or too noisy decorations?
There is little recourse for
light pollution
emitted by a neighbor.
The best, to avoid any conflict, is to get in touch with him to agree on a time to put out the garlands or the luminous decorative elements installed in his garden.
In case of refusal, you can notify him of your request by mail and contact your town hall or prefecture to find out if rules exist at the local level.
If the nuisance is noise, you can have the noise noticed beyond the times defined by the police.
These will be able to note the nuisance and sanction the dishonest neighbor with a fine.
