Consideration in the building

Consideration in the building

Several flats under one roof work well if a few simple things are observed. This page is a compilation for everyday life. The decisive factor is the building regulations, which form part of your tenancy agreement. - when in doubt, that one applies, not this page.

Quiet hours

From midnight 22:00 to 07:00, from midday onwards 1pm to 3pm as well as all day on Sundays and public holidays. During this time, no drilling, no washing machine, no loud music.

A party is going to happen anyway. Let the neighbours know in advance — a note in the stairwell saves more trouble than any apology afterwards.

Stairwell and escape routes

Stairwells, corridors and basement passages remain free. No shoe racks, prams, bicycles or cardboard boxes left permanently there. This is not about a love of tidiness: in the event of a fire, this route is the only way out, and smoke completely obscures your vision.

Fire doors remain closed and are not wedged open.

Ventilation and heating

Open the windows briefly and widely several times a day — Windows wide open, five to ten minutes, ideally right through the flat. A window left constantly on the latch cools the walls down, but hardly ventilates at all: that is precisely how mould forms, and heating bills go up in the process.

• Ventilate immediately after showering and cooking, keeping the door to the rest of the flat closed while doing so.
• Do not place furniture directly against exterior walls; leave a few centimetres of air space.
• Heat even little-used rooms — below 16 degrees it gets critical.
• Try not to dry your washing in the flat; that's what the drying room is for.
• Report damp spots or dark patches immediately. Early it's a call, late it's a refurbishment.

Utility room and common areas

Utility room, drying room and cellar are used by everyone. After washing, clean the machine and lint filter, leave the room broom-clean and adhere to the times that apply to your building. The specific regulation can be found in the Property profile.

Barbecuing, pets, smoking

• Barbecue on balconies and terraces: the rules for your building are on the property page. Electricity is unproblematic everywhere, charcoal rarely so.
• Pets: Small pets in usual numbers are permitted. Please check with us in advance regarding dogs and cats — we rarely say no, but we would like to know.
• Smoking is not permitted in the stairwell and communal areas. In your own flat it is up to you; on the balcony, it is worth discussing with the neighbours above and below.

Little things that make a big difference

• Lock the front door in the evening, even if someone is still expected.
• Do not open the front door to strangers unasked.
• Nameplate on doorbell and letterbox — otherwise the post won't find you.
• Close windows in the stairwell and cellar windows during rain and frost.
• In the event of a prolonged absence, ask someone to check on the flat and provide us with a contact number.

If there's any trouble after all

The shortest route is almost always to talk to your neighbour directly — most disturbances are thoughtlessness, not intentional. If that doesn't get results, contact us. We'll listen to both sides.