A Ukrainian woman spoke about the strict rules for renting housing in Germany
Lyudmila Rusina, a Ukrainian woman who has been living in Germany for four years, spoke about the numerous restrictions on daily life that apply in local rental apartments. According to her, residents can face significant fines for violating the rules, particularly those regarding noise levels.
“There are more prohibitions than permissions in German apartments, and after four years of living here, I’m still surprised whenever I learn about yet another strange rule,” she says.
She explains that one of the main rules concerns quiet hours. In Germany, there are clearly defined times when residents are not allowed to make noise.
“Usually from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., as well as on Sundays and holidays, you’re not allowed to do anything—not just drill, but even vacuum, do laundry, host loud gatherings, or barbecue— and the fine for such violations can reach five thousand euros,” says the Ukrainian woman.
Lyudmila also mentioned that strict rules apply to drying clothes inside the apartment—due to the risk of mold. In many buildings, it’s forbidden to dry laundry on balconies so as not to spoil the appearance of the facade, and sometimes even inside the rooms themselves due to the risk of mold. If dampness develops due to the tenant’s negligence, they will have to pay for repairs or even move out of the apartment altogether.
You also can’t clutter shared hallways or your own balconies with furniture, boxes, bicycles, or strollers.
The Ukrainian woman shared a separate story about pets. You can keep hamsters or fish without any permits, but things are more complicated with dogs or cats.
“If you want a dog or a cat, in most cases you’ll need the landlord’s consent. My lease includes such a clause,” notes Lyudmila.
Interestingly, even homeowners aren’t exempt from these rules—lots in Germany are usually small, and houses are built right up against one another. So almost all restrictions apply to the private sector as well.
At the same time, as the Ukrainian woman explains, German society values good neighborly relations: if someone is planning a party, it’s considered good manners to post a notice on the building’s entrance door in advance—something Lyudmila has encountered on numerous occasions.
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