Look out! A fine of $10,000 for smoking on the balcony? fresh housing regulations are shocking!

In fresh months, there has been information in Poland suggesting that smoking cigarettes on the balcony can be given a financial penalty. In particular, a fine of PLN 10,000 imposed by housing communities. Is that true? In the article we will look at current regulations and practices applied by housing communities in Poland in 2025.

Current government on smoking on balconies

In accordance with the applicable provisions, smoking on your own balcony is not prohibited. In consequence to the parliamentary appeal, Deputy Minister of Justice Arkadiusz Myrcha explained that the current government does not supply for a ban on smoking on balconies and terraces of multi-family buildings. That means a individual smoking in a place like this is not subject to a punishment or a mandate.

Prohibition of smoking

Possible consequences of smoking on the balcony

Although no national ban on smoking on balconies, however, certain behaviours may lead to legal consequences:

• Distortion of public policy: If smoke from a cigaret enters the neighbors' apartments, it may be considered disorder. In utmost cases, specified action may lead to fines or even court cases.
• Regulations of housing communities: any housing communities introduce their own smoking rules in parts of the common building, including on balconies. In specified cases, a breach of these rules may consequence in a financial punishment being imposed. For example, a fine for smoking on a balcony may be PLN 500.

Amendments to government on housing communities

In 2025 changes to the rules governing the functioning of housing communities are planned. The fresh rules aim to defend the rights of members of the Communities by introducing clear rules on, inter alia, convening meetings, voting and challenging resolutions. As a result, the owners of the premises will gain greater control over the decisions taken within the community.

Currently in Poland there is no national ban on smoking on balconies. However, it is worth noting the regulations in force within housing communities and the possible disturbance of public order. The introduction of fresh rules on the operation of the Communities may lead to stricter rules on smoking in parts of the common building. Therefore, before deciding to smoke on a balcony, it is worth reading the regulations of your housing community and be careful not to exposure yourself to possible legal consequences.