Flower pot, grill, loud music. On the balcony you can easily face a fine of PLN 500

The balcony can be used as a place to rest, meet or grow plants, but using it does not mean full freedom. Some behaviors may disturb neighbors or pose a threat. In such situations, the owner may even face a fine.

Not only the regulations are important, but also the regulations applicable in housing communities and the principles of social coexistence. Problems may be caused by, among others: noise, smoke, intense odors, improperly secured items or water flowing to lower floors.

Fine for the balcony. Be careful with flower pots and balustrades

One of the dangers are objects placed or hung on the balustrade. Flower pots on the outside, heavy decorations and things that have not been properly secured may fall and cause damage. For such negligence under Art. 75 of the Petty Offense Code, a fine of up to PLN 500 may be imposed.

Simply watering the flowers can also cause problems. If water flows onto a neighbor’s balcony below or stains the building’s facade, the consequence may be a penalty and the obligation to repair the damage.

Not every plant will work on the balcony

The choice of plants may also be important. Species that grow quickly, produce dust or emit intense odors may become a problem if they are a nuisance to other residents. Vines such as wild wine, however, can spread into adjacent spaces.

The regulations may also apply when the balcony becomes a place for noisy meetings. Music, shouting, arguments or parties heard outside the apartment may be treated as disturbing the peace and public order.

A fine of up to PLN 500 for noise pollution

Article 51 of the Petty Offense Code also applies to behavior on balconies. For loud music, shouting or arguments, you may be fined from PLN 100 to PLN 500. If the perpetrator is under the influence of alcohol, the minimum fine imposed by the court is PLN 1,000.

In extreme cases, the court may impose a fine of up to PLN 5,000 or even restriction of liberty. This means that a balcony meeting that becomes a nuisance to the surroundings may have much more serious consequences than a conflict with a neighbor.

Barbecue on the balcony? The regulations may prohibit it

The regulations do not provide for a general ban on barbecuing on the balcony. However, restrictions may result from the regulations of the housing community. They often concern devices using open flame due to the fire hazard.

Smoke and intense odor may also be a problem. If they disturb neighbors, they may be treated as a nuisance and the police may intervene. An alternative is an electric grill, although its use may also be subject to local restrictions.

Cigarette butts and beating carpets may also result in a fine

You should also watch out for behavior that is considered dangerous or indecent on the balcony. Throwing away cigarette butts, beating carpets or sunbathing naked in a visible place may be considered a disturbance or an indecent act.

Additionally, Art. 145 of the Code of Petty Offenses provides for liability for littering, including throwing waste over a balcony. When using this part of the apartment, you must take into account not only your own convenience, but also the safety and comfort of other residents.