500 PLN mandate for drying laundry on the balcony? Ridiculous rules hit tenants

Recently housing communities in Poland introduce controversial ruleswhich may consequence in fines up to PLN 500 for drying of laundry on the balcony. Although this seems absurd at first glance, the government has its legal basis and is enforced in practice.

Legal bases and Community rules

According to Article 75 §1 Code of misconduct‘who, without due care, exposes or hangs dense objects or throws them, pours out liquids, throws distant uncleanness or causes specified objects to fall out or spills out, is fined up to PLN 500 or reprimands’.

This means that if, while drying laundry on the balcony, water drips on lower floors or public space, the tenant can be fined. In addition, many housing communities introduces its own rules which may prohibit the hanging of laundry on balconies for aesthetic or safety reasons.

Washing machine

Life events taken

In March 2025 in Warsaw was imposed PLN 500 per capita block for drying laundry on the balcony. Water dripping from wet clothing caused contamination of the balconies below, which became the origin of complaints from neighbors and intervention of the city guard.

Similar situations have occurred in another cities where tenants were punished for failing to comply with the Community's rules on drying laundry on balconies.

How to avoid a ticket?

To avoid unpleasant consequences, it is worth:

• Read the Rules of Procedure its housing community and respect the principles contained therein.
• Dried laundry in a non-burdening way for neighbours, e.g. avoiding dripping water on lower balconies.
• Use interior dryers or another alternate methods of drying clothing.

Controversy and opinions of residents

Many tenants consider these regulations as overly restrictive and interfering with privacy. They argue that the balcony is part of their flat and drying outdoor laundry is an ecological and economical solution.

On the another hand, supporters of regulation emphasise the importance of building aesthetics and the comfort of life all residents, pointing to the problem of dripping water or the unattractive appearance of facades.

Although drying laundry on the balcony seems to be a regular and harmless activity, it can lead to neighbourhood conflicts and financial penalties. Therefore, it is worth being aware of the rules in force and adapting their actions to avoid unpleasant consequences.