Is Sleeping on the Balcony Allowed? Here's What an Expert Says

June 30, 2026, 9:12 am | Read time: 2 minutes

In summer, it’s often not just warm during the day–many find the nights uncomfortable and oppressive. Some might consider sleeping on the balcony. But is that even allowed? myHOMEBOOK asked an expert.

Is it allowed to sleep on the balcony?

Stargazing at night and then slowly drifting off at pleasant temperatures. For some, sleeping on the balcony in summer is just part of the experience. The advantage: It’s pleasantly cool–unlike the often stuffy and overheated apartment.

But is it even allowed to sleep on the balcony? Anja Franz from the Munich Tenants’ Association told myHOMEBOOK: “I see no reason why a tenant shouldn’t sleep on the balcony.” Basically, it’s not prohibited to sleep on the balcony. The same applies to owners if they have an apartment and want to sleep on the balcony.

However, it’s a different story if neighbors feel disturbed. For example, if you or your neighbor snores loudly. “If neighbors feel disturbed, the same rules apply as usual. Every tenant must observe the duty of consideration,” Franz said. If you feel disturbed, it’s best to start by having a conversation to find a solution.

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A bed on the balcony–is that possible?

So, it’s allowed to sleep on the balcony on a mild summer night. The question remains how best to do it. You could simply sleep in a deck chair or make yourself comfortable on cushions. Having a full bed on the balcony might be more challenging. “I think the landlord can’t forbid the tenant from sleeping on the balcony and setting up a bed for that purpose. There just shouldn’t be any hazards, like the bed being too heavy or something similar,” Franz said. The balcony is part of the rental apartment and can therefore be used as the tenant wishes, she further explained.

How to make it cozy under the open sky

If you decide to spend a night on the balcony, you don’t need much. To ensure comfort and avoid back pain the next day, don’t skip a proper base. This means a real mattress or at least an air mattress–depending on what you have available. Pillows also make sleeping under the open sky cozy and snug. Add a few string lights, and your balcony night camp is perfect.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of MYHOMEBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@myhomebook.de.