There's a serious ban on balconies in apartment buildings. Violations will result in severe penalties.

• According to the law, a balcony is not a completely private space, and many of the things we do there can result in us getting fined.
• Smoking cigarettes, sunbathing in skimpy clothing, drying laundry, holding dimensions or grilling - these things carry heavy penalties.
• Regardless of national regulations, each housing community or cooperative has the right to establish its own regulations regarding balcony use. Violation of these regulations may even result in eviction proceedings.

Although for many people the balcony is an extension of the apartment, a place of relaxation, private meetings and contact with nature - in the light of the law and the applicable regulations of housing communities or cooperatives, it is not a completely private space.

According to Onet, a surprising number of seemingly innocent or natural things can result in fines, civil liability, or even criminal penalties. It's important to know the restrictions and rules that apply to balcony use, as failure to comply can have serious consequences not only for you but also for your neighbors. Some of the regulations may surprise you!

Smoking cigarettes

One of the most frequently discussed topics is smoking. While seemingly no one should forbid us from lighting up in our own apartment or on its balcony, civil law, specifically Article 144 of the Civil Code, clearly states that one must not obstruct others' use of their property.

Cigarette smoke rising to the upper floors, settling on neighbors' laundry or flowing into their apartments through open windows may be grounds for a complaint and, consequently, even for a lawsuit.

Barbecuing on the balcony

Barbecuing on the balcony is a similarly controversial issue. While many of us dream of summer evenings filled with the aroma of grilled food, according to fire safety regulations (Ministry of Interior and Administration regulation of 2010), the use of open flames—including charcoal or wood grills—in such conditions is prohibited.

A fire, which can occur due to carelessness or an accident, not only causes significant material losses but also poses a threat to life and limb. Violating these regulations can result in criminal liability under Article 163 of the Penal Code, which can result in up to 12 years' imprisonment.

Noise after 10pm

Noise, loud conversations, music, and parties are another factor that can spark neighborly conflict. A balcony may seem like an ideal place for socializing, but noise, especially after 10:00 PM, violates the nighttime quiet hours. The Code of Petty Offenses provides for fines of up to 500 PLN and, in extreme cases, arrest. Even if you don't plan on partying at night, it's worth remembering that even everyday conversations outside can be a nuisance for some.

Tidiness on the balcony

A very significant, though often overlooked, issue is throwing any items over the balcony—from cigarette butts to food scraps. This is an offense punishable by a 500 PLN fine (Articles 75 and 145 of the Code of Petty Offenses). Besides the legal aspect, this also has aesthetic and sanitary implications—such behavior contributes to littering in common areas and can attract birds, rodents, and insects.

Beating carpets

Beating carpets or blankets from the balcony is treated similarly. While this may seem practical, it is expressly prohibited in many housing cooperative regulations and is even considered a misdemeanor (see the aforementioned Articles 75 and 145 of the Code of Commercial Practices). Particles of dust, fur, or dirt falling onto lower floors are a real source of nuisance.

In a skimpy outfit

Another controversial practice is sunbathing on a balcony in revealing clothing—or even naked. While we may feel comfortable in our own home, a balcony—as a space visible from the outside—is subject to different rules. Public indecent exposure can be considered a misdemeanor (Article 140 of the Code of Petty Offenses) and result in a fine of up to PLN 1,500. If the act offends a third party, such as a neighbor who reports it to the police, the act will qualify as a disturbance of the peace or public order (Article 51 of the Code of Petty Offenses). This offense carries a fine of up to PLN 5,000, as well as a restriction of liberty or arrest.

Flowers on the railing

An important, yet often overlooked, issue is securing flower pots to the outside of the railing. Improperly secured containers can fall and cause injury. If a pot injures a passerby or damages their property (e.g., a car), the balcony owner may face civil or even criminal liability. Housing associations often specify where and how flower pots can be installed to ensure the safety of all building users.

Balcony renovation - only with consent

You also can't change the appearance of a balcony yourself, in terms of its color scheme, facade, or even sunshades. Balconies, although they belong to the apartment, are a common part of the building. Therefore, changing them requires the property manager's consent. Unauthorized painting of walls or installing an awning may expose the owner to the obligation to restore the balcony to its original condition and even cover the costs of repairing the damage.

Laundry on the balcony

Not everyone is aware of the restrictions on drying laundry. Although this is often the only place where wet clothes can be hung, dripping onto lower balconies or hanging laundry in a manner that is inconspicuous to other tenants can lead to conflict and intervention by the housing association. Many regulations prohibit hanging laundry beyond the railing, precisely because of the risk of splashing water on neighbors.

Mess

The balcony should also not be used as a handy storage area for items that don't fit in the apartment. Storing waste, old furniture, used appliances, or cardboard boxes there not only spoils the building's aesthetics but can also pose a sanitary and fire hazard. In such a case, the property manager has the right to require the owner to clean the balcony, and if they fail to do so, they may impose a fine or call the appropriate authorities.

Decorating

Special care should also be taken when decorating balconies, especially with heavy ornaments, lanterns, planters, or lighting. If they fall on a passerby, the owner is liable for any damage. The regulations are clear: anyone who negligently causes harm to others may be held civilly or criminally liable.

The community's own regulations

Finally, it's worth emphasizing that, regardless of national regulations, each housing community or cooperative has the right to establish its own regulations regarding balcony use. Violation of these regulations may result not only in intervention by the property manager but also—in extreme cases—termination of the lease or even eviction proceedings.

Therefore, before moving into a new apartment, it's worth familiarizing yourself not only with general laws but also with the regulations in force in your specific building. A balcony is a space that can be used for relaxation, but only if we respect boundaries—both physical and social.