What do I have to endure from my neighbor? What do I have the right to do myself, even if it bothers the neighbor? This article clarifies 10 typical disputes concerning balconies:
1. Barbecue
If the rental contract or the rules of procedure do not prohibit it, there is nothing to be said against the barbecue on the balcony. However, there are restrictions if dense smoke moves around the next apartment. In Hamburg, charcoal barbecues on balconies are generally prohibited.
However, smoke development cannot be completely avoided, even with an electric grill, which is why the frequency of grill pleasure is also important. And the neighbor doesn’t have to endure that as often as many people think. However, there are sometimes significant differences between regions.
The Berlin-Schoneberg District Court, for example, ruled that 20 times a year for about 2 hours are allowed – but no more than 21 hours. On the other hand, the Regional Court of Aachen ruled that twice a month between 5 p.m. and 10.30 p.m. are acceptable. The Stuttgart Regional Court even considers that only 3 barbecue parties per year are acceptable.
You must therefore be familiar with the local regulations before starting the barbecue season.
2. Skin
In principle, the balcony is part of the living space. So you can use it in the same way as your coins. However, if the balcony is clearly visible, you should not just lie there. If someone feels disturbed by sight, nudity is an administrative offence. The fine may be up to EUR 1 000.
Conversely, you have to accept it when you’re looking at you with a sunbathing at nature. Anyone who displays his body attracts attention, the judges believe. Only targeted espionage with binoculars or a camera goes too far.
2. Skin
In principle, the balcony is part of the living space. So you can use it in the same way as your coins. However, if the balcony is clearly visible, you should not just lie there. If someone feels disturbed by sight, nudity is an administrative offence. The fine may be up to EUR 1 000.
Conversely, you have to accept it when you’re looking at you with a sunbathing at nature. Anyone who displays his body attracts attention, the judges believe. Only targeted espionage with binoculars or a camera goes too far.
Anyone who indulges in love on the balcony should expect a warning, even if there is a privacy screen. If the neighborhood feels disturbed by the couple’s noisy groans and animated screams, sex on the balcony is no longer a “socially adequate use of the living space”.
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