Tenants face fines at Christmas if they abuse the decoration of their homes. Christmas is just around the corner, and as the holiday approaches, cities and homes become more colorful and vibrant.
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Garlands, candles, and other Christmas decorations adorn facades, gardens, and interiors. However, caution is recommended, as an excessive amount of decorations can have legal consequences and pose dangers.
What tenants can be fined for at Christmas
While decorating interior spaces is generally allowed, tenants should exercise caution when embellishing facades and front gardens. Tenants need to consider neighbors when designing the facade and obtain the landlord's consent.
Light and noise should not disturb the night's rest; otherwise, tenants may face fines of up to €5000 for violating the legal quiet period from 22:00 to 6:00.
Common areas such as staircases and basements also require special attention and safety awareness to ensure clear evacuation paths. Anyone bothered by flashing lights, Christmas music, and other decorations may even demand a reduction in rent.
When decorating the exterior, it's crucial to ensure that the decorations do not pose a danger to passersby. Angels, Santa Clauses, and stars should be securely attached to prevent them from falling and endangering pedestrians, even during a snowstorm.
If decorating the facade of the house requires drilling and making holes, tenants always need the landlord's permission. This is an intervention in the building's structure, and landlords may prohibit it.
While there's freedom for individual design inside the house, the use of open flames, such as Bengal lights or candles, requires special caution and safety measures to avoid fire damage. The landlord's building insurance usually covers damage to the decoration unless tenants' gross negligence is proven.
When dealing with open flames in the house or apartment, safety comes first. Therefore, extra caution is needed when installing Christmas decorations.
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Despite the festive spirit, tenants in Germany should be aware that excessively decorating the exterior of their rented properties could lead to fines. Holidays in Germany, such as Christmas, are celebrated with enthusiasm, but tenants should always obtain their landlord's consent before drilling into the building structure or using open flames for decorations.
Germany is known for its unique Christmas traditions, and Holidays in Germany often involve decorating homes extensively. However, it's essential to remember the legal consequences and safety considerations associated with these celebrations.