Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Is the Neighbor Allowed to Have a Barbecue Party on the Balcony?

Can you grill, smoke, and sunbathe naked on your balcony? Both yes and no, according to the expert who tries to clarify what applies so that summer's balcony life can flow smoothly.

» Updated: 03 September 2024, 05:19

» Published: 21 July 2024

Is the Neighbor Allowed to Have a Barbecue Party on the Balcony?
Photo: Anders Wiklund/ TT

Can you grill, smoke, and sunbathe naked on your balcony? Both yes and no, says the expert who tries to clarify what applies for a smooth balcony life this summer.

There are certain differences between the rules for condominiums and rental apartments. But for comfort on the balcony, roughly the same rules apply, according to Andrés Hammar, a property lawyer at the housing cooperative HSB.

You should have common sense and show consideration for your neighbors, he says.

What about plants?

The most common question in these contexts has to do with flower boxes. It matters whether you put them on the outside of the balcony where they can fall and become a safety risk. Another problem when you water is that it can run down to the neighboring balcony. Then conflicts can arise if you have hung out your rugs or laundry that gets dirty. It's about consideration; if you have flowers that need watering, maybe you can have a plate underneath.

Can you grill on the balcony?

At the bottom, it's up to each individual association to set up a set of rules for how they want it. There are different ways to grill, and an electric grill may not be as dangerous as a charcoal grill, considering the risk of fire, for example. In some associations, you're not allowed to grill at all due to the risk of fire or simply because of food odors.

Can you smoke?

Yes, you can. On the rental side, there may be allergy-free buildings where you're not allowed to smoke, but then you've signed an agreement to comply with it. On the condominium side, there's no equivalent. It would take a lot for it to be grounds for some kind of coercive measure. It would be if someone almost intentionally makes sure the smoke reaches a specific neighbor.

Can you sunbathe naked on the balcony?

It depends on how secluded you are from neighbors and the public, and how serious and intentional it is. If it's so that no one can see and you're lying somewhat secluded, then it's no big deal. But if you're visible and someone takes offense, it could become something to question. Then you could be guilty of offensive behavior.

Is it okay to play loud music?

It's not a yes or no question, but rather depends on the condominium association's potential rules – how loud the music is played, how often, and if someone is disturbed or not. Playing loud music on the balcony on a single occasion can naturally be perceived as disturbing for neighbors who planned a quiet evening, but it's not as serious as playing loud music every day despite protests from the surroundings.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Korean Food Coming To Sweden

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Prominent Swedes comment on Trump's victory in the US election

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Start Your Classic Swedish Christmas Decorations

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden

Why the U.S. Election Matters for Sweden

Five Swedish Superstitions: Tips for Keeping Your Luck in Sweden

Five Swedish Superstitions: Tips for Keeping Your Luck in Sweden

How to Unregister from Searchable Registers in Sweden

How to Unregister from Searchable Registers in Sweden

Selling food on social media without a permit can lead to imprisonment

Selling food on social media without a permit can lead to imprisonment

Sweden's NATO membership and its impact on Swedes

Sweden's NATO membership and its impact on Swedes

Autumn Break in School - find your activities

Autumn Break in School - find your activities

Useful Swedish Greetings Phrases

Useful Swedish Greetings Phrases

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday

Daylight saving time ends on Sunday

Cheapest Countries for Swedes to Vacation In

Cheapest Countries for Swedes to Vacation In

Language Café - a perfect way to practice your Swedish

Language Café - a perfect way to practice your Swedish

34 milljon SEK in research grants awarded to SLU

34 milljon SEK in research grants awarded to SLU

All Saints' Day, All Hallows' Day, and Halloween?

All Saints' Day, All Hallows' Day, and Halloween?

Report: Decrease in Sausage Consumption in Sweden

Report: Decrease in Sausage Consumption in Sweden

Time to switch to winter tires?

Time to switch to winter tires?

Be aware of wildlife on the roads during autumn and winter

Be aware of wildlife on the roads during autumn and winter

Inflation Rate - KPIF in Sweden 1.1% in September

Inflation Rate - KPIF in Sweden 1.1% in September

6 things that make Sweden absolutely fantastic!

6 things that make Sweden absolutely fantastic!