Mandate for drying clothes on the balcony. The first individual has already been punished

Drying laundry on the balcony is simply a regular practice for many Poles, especially during the spring-summer period. However, the fresh case of the imposition of a mandate per capita of 1 of the Polish cities for this action caused a wave of discussion and controversy. Are we truly facing punishment for specified a common custom? Let us take a closer look.

First case of the imposition of a mandate

In March 2025, the media reported the imposition of a mandate of PLN 500 per capita block in Warsaw for drying laundry on the balcony. According to the report, wet clothes were dripping water on lower floors, which became the origin of the neighbor's complaint. Interactive city guard, citing Article 75 §1 Code of misconductShe fined the tenant.

Legal analysis: what does the Code of Offence say?

Article 75 §1 of the Code of Offence provides:

“Whoever, without due care, exposes or hangs dense objects or throws them, pours liquids, throws distant uncleanness or causes specified objects to fall out or spills out, is liable to fines up to PLN 500 or reprimands.”

This means that if we do not be careful erstwhile drying laundry on the balcony and water from wet clothes will drip on lower balconies or public space, we can be punished with a ticket to PLN 500.

Regulations of the Communities and Housing Cooperatives

In addition to national rules, it is worth noting regulations applicable in circumstantial communities or housing cooperatives. any of them may include records on the aesthetics of the building or the rules for utilizing balconies. For example, they may prohibit the hanging of laundry on balustrades or in a way visible from the outside to avoid damaging the appearance of the facade. Violation of specified provisions may consequence in a reminder or a punishment imposed by the board of directors of the Community.

Social reactions and controversy

The imposition of a mandate for drying laundry on the balcony caused mixed reactions in society. Many believe that this is excessive interference in the private lives of residents, while others emphasise the request to preserve the aesthetics of buildings and the comfort of neighbors. many comments have been made on social media, both supporting and criticizing specified actions by the law enforcement services.

How to avoid a ticket? applicable Tips

To avoid the unpleasant consequences of drying laundry on the balcony, it is worth following any rules:

1. Accurate centrifugation of washing: Let's make certain the clothes are well swirled to minimize the amount of dripping water.
2. Placing the dryer inside the rail: The dryer should be unchangeable and be within the balcony without protruding beyond its contour.
3. Avoiding drying on windy days: Strong wind can origin laundry to fall off the balcony, which poses a threat to passers-by.
4. Consultation of Community Rules of Procedure: It is always worth reading the rules in our housing community to avoid misunderstandings.

Summary

Although drying laundry on the balcony is simply a common practice in Poland, the deficiency of due care, resulting e.g. in dripping water on lower floors, can lead to the imposition of a mandate to PLN 500. It is so crucial to dry the laundry in a non-burdening way for another residents and in accordance with applicable regulations and regulations.