Preparing balconies for spring: permissible and prohibited actions for Munich tenants
Spring Cleaning Your Balcony: A Guide for Residents in Munich
As the weather warms, it's time to give your balcony a post-winter makeover. From the floor to the flower boxes, here's how to prepare your balcony for spring in Munich:
Cleaning the Balcony Floor
First, clean and sweep the balcony or terrace floor. Remove any weeds, moss, or dirt from tiles, grout, or stone slabs. Depending on the level of dirt, you may need to use a spatula, grout brush, or even a high-pressure cleaner.
Inspecting and Maintaining Privacy Screens
Check the condition of your privacy screen, whether made of fabric, plastic, or bamboo. Clean it thoroughly, and if it's damaged beyond repair, consider replacing it. Remember that privacy screens can only extend to the height of the balcony railing, aligned with the exterior facade design.
Installing an awning might require permission from your landlord due to potential structural changes. Alternatively, a sun umbrella might be a more viable option as it doesn't require permits.
Attaching Flower Boxes
When it comes to flower boxes, courts have weighed in on their proper placement. While there are no explicit legal restrictions on attaching them to the balcony railing, many have ruled that landlords can specify they be mounted on the inner side. However, this regulation is not universally accepted as legally sound.
The Munich Local Court ruled on December 8, 2000, that flower boxes can be attached outside the balcony, but tenants must ensure secure installation. Falls due to exceptional circumstances are still a potential risk. Meanwhile, the German civil code holds tenants liable for damages in case of injury caused by falling objects (§823 BGB).
Tenants are generally allowed to attach flower boxes and water plants on their balconies, but they should avoid causing inconvenience to neighboring tenants. Pests, excessive growth, or persistent dirt and wilted flowers may require removal.
Selecting and Planting Balcony Plants
Once the privacy screen is cleaned or replaced, concentrate on the flower boxes. Plant bulb flowers such as tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, or crocuses in the fall and store them in a cool place during winter. In March, you can plant frost-resistant summer flowers like African violets, chrysanthemums, amaranth, or lupines.
Avoid climbing plants like ivy or wild grape that could damage the masonry and landlord's property.
Preparing Balcony Furniture for Spring
Give your balcony furniture a spring cleaning. For plastic furniture, use a soft brush and damp cloth; for wooden furniture, sand and oil as needed. If possible, wash cushions and pillows in the washing machine.
Decorating the Balcony
With the furniture spring-ready, it's time to decorate with colorful lanterns, string lights, or candles, provided they do not disturb other tenants.
Dealing with Pigeons
While songbirds are welcome, pigeons are often unwanted guests. Non-violent methods for keeping pigeons away include optical measures like scarecrows, hanging CDs, reflective balls, and small windmills. Degrading, harmful, or violent methods should be avoided. If pigeons have already started breeding, professional help might be needed.
Balcony Regulations in Munich
Balconies belong to the rented apartment, allowing tenants to place chairs, benches, tables, sunshades, and dry laundry. Grilling on the balcony or terrace is permitted if neighbors are not unduly affected (Munich Regional Court I, Az.: 15 S 22735/01). However, regulations will vary by property and location, so be sure to review your rental agreement and local ordinances.
- To enhance the fashion-and-beauty aspect of your balcony, consider decorating it with colorful lanterns, string lights, or candles during spring, ensuring they do not disturb other tenants.
- For home-and-garden enthusiasts, the choice of balcony plants in Munich should avoid climbing plants like ivy or wild grape that could damage the masonry and landlord's property.
