April 24, 2023, 12:44 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
To attach a clothesline or decoration to the balcony wall, you might need holes for mounting. If these aren’t already there, tenants should find out exactly whether they can drill them without any issues. This article explains what to consider when drilling on the balcony.
When hanging pictures or shelves on the walls inside a rental apartment, it seems natural to drill the necessary holes at the desired spot. On the balcony, however, this situation can be more stressful: Is it allowed to drill into the ceiling, wall, or railing of the balcony? myHOMEBOOK consulted an expert to find out what is permitted on the balcony–and what is not.
Drilling on the Balcony–Is It Allowed for Tenants?
To attach a clothesline, string lights, or flower pots for a vertical garden, you need to drill holes in the wall or ceiling of the balcony. Anja Franz from the Mieterverein München e.V. recommends checking with the landlord beforehand. Drilling into the balcony wall affects the building’s structure. “If drilling is to be done, the landlord must be asked for permission first.”
This also applies if you want to drill a hole in the floor or ceiling of the balcony. However, this request is unlikely to be approved. Drilling could damage the building’s waterproofing, which could lead to moisture seeping into the structure. This can result in not only water stains but also mold.
Also interesting: 9 beautiful fragrant plants for the balcony
Designing the Balcony–What Tenants Should Consider
If you want to change the wall color on the balcony to match the new decoration, it’s best to put the brush aside for now. “This involves changing the overall appearance of the house from the outside,” Franz explains. She advises asking the landlord for permission in advance.
The same applies to installing an awning: “Since the wall needs to be drilled into here, landlord approval is again necessary.” A landlord can also deny a privacy screen on the balcony if it disrupts the overall appearance, especially if it’s particularly colorful or conspicuous. Franz recommends asking the landlord for permission beforehand. It’s different if you want to install a cat net. “This does not change or affect the exterior appearance of the house,” the expert says.
If you want to change the balcony floor, loose tiles are not a problem, according to the expert. She adds, “However, the tenant needs permission if they remove the old floor and install a new one.” The rental law expert continues that tenants are generally allowed to design their balcony as they wish. “However, the decoration must not pose a danger, such as falling flower boxes or similar.” According to the expert, tenants should also ensure that overgrown plants do not disturb neighbors.