What does Swiss law say about grilling on your balcony? Are you allowed to do it – and under what circumstances can your landlord stop you?
Outdoor barbecues are very popular during summer months, but not everyone is lucky to have a garden.
That is why you may be tempted to use your balcony instead.
But is it allowed? The short answer is yes, because tenants have the right to enjoy their accommodations — as long as they are not a nuisance to the neighbourhood.
In principle, Swiss law does not ban grilling on balconies, but it does prevent producing “excessive emissions” which could annoy your neighbours.
(Keep in mind that these rules apply to rented apartments; if you own your dwellings then you are, of course, free to use your balcony as you wish, though you should also be mindful not to inconvenience your neighbours).
What is meant by ‘excessive’?
The law is purposefully vague on the matter — which basically means it is up to the terms of your tenancy agreement and whether or not your neighbours are bothered by the smoke and / or the smell of the barbecued cervelat emanating from your balcony.
READ ALSO: What is the Swiss sausage that creates a ‘sense of identity’?
Generally speaking, however, the use of electric and gas grills is permitted for most tenants in Switzerland, although some contracts don’t allow charcoal barbecues.
The reason for this restriction is that a charcoal grill can cause excessive odour emissions.
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What else should you be aware of?
While grilling during the day (provided you follow the above rules) is usually no problem, there are rules for nighttime barbecuing.
As for any activity that could potentially disturb your neighbours, you should not have your grill going after 10 pm — Switzerland’s statuary ‘quiet time.’
This rule, by the way, applies not only to balconies, but also to barbecues (and other noisy activities) taking place in your garden — especially in residential neighbourhoods.
READ ALSO: What can residents in Switzerland do about noisy neighbours?
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What happens if your barbecue sets a fire?
That, without a doubt, is the worst-case scenario.
If you quickly master the fire and there are no damages, then you are in luck.
But if the fire causes any material damages to your balcony and / or apartment, then it goes without saying that you are fully responsible and must pay for the damages.
This is where your liability insurance — which, as a tenant, you are obligated to have — will kick in and save the day.
Its purpose is to compensate for any material damage you ‘inflict’ on your rented dwellings.
READ ALSO: What is Swiss liability insurance and do you need it?
