Fines and evictions: Penalties for violating quiet hours in Germany

When are the quiet hours in Germany: days and times

In Germany, much attention is paid to ensuring comfortable living conditions for citizens. One aspect of this policy is the implementation of quiet hours" to minimize any loud noises that could disturb people's peace, disrupt sleep quality, and affect overall psychological well-being.

Quiet hours are stipulated in German tenancy law, and these rules were established by the Federal Court (BGH) in a decision from 2003 (BGH V ZB 11/98).

The quiet hours regime in Germany must be observed during the following time periods:

• Nighttime rest period – between 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., with "nighttime silence" between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.;
• Specific daytime hours, afternoon rest period – between 1 and 3 p.m.,
• Throughout the day on weekends and public holidays. During these hours, loud noises should not be audible outside of specific residences.

During these hours, loud noises should not be audible outside of specific residences.

Photo: Any loud noises are prohibited on weekends (pixabay.com)

What sounds are prohibited during quiet hours in Germany

The country's legislation clearly specifies that any loud activity is prohibited during quiet hours. Ukrainians are generally not accustomed to following such norms, but it's important to consider these rules in Germany. According to statistics, Germans file about 400,000 lawsuits against their neighbors annually for violating "quiet hours". In some cases, loud singing alone is enough to file a complaint.

Therefore, the following actions are prohibited during quiet hours:

• Use of household appliances: washing machines, vacuum cleaners; carrying out repair works involving drilling, lawn mowing, loud entertainment, and parties;
• Playing musical instruments - in some municipalities, there are designated hours when playing is allowed without disturbing neighbors;
• Sounds from pets. Sometimes dogs need to wear muzzles at night to prevent them from barking;
• Hosting home parties is not prohibited. However, when guests enter the balcony late at night, it may disturb neighbors. Therefore, it's important to monitor the volume of voices, laughter, and music.

It's important to note that these rules apply not only in private residences but also on the streets of cities, ensuring peace in public places. This means that making noise is prohibited not only for residents of apartment buildings but also prohibits construction noise or lively nighttime traffic.

Photo: A barking dog can be a reason for neighbor complaints (pixabay.com)

Construction work cannot start before 6-7 in the morning and must end by 10 p.m. Moreover, during quiet hours in the afternoon, builders also have to stop noisy work, otherwise, they could face significant fines.

The noise law also applies to shops - unloading goods before 7 in the morning is prohibited if the store is located near residential buildings.

How violations of quiet hours are punished in Germany

The night quiet regime in Germany is a legal norm strictly enforced. Violations can be considered minor offenses and lead to various legal consequences, such as fines.

Violation of the quiet hours can have serious consequences for tenants. A landlord has the right to raise the rent or terminate the lease.

Substantial fines can be imposed for certain loud sounds. For example, for using lawnmowers (volume 78-96 decibels), and loud repair works in apartment buildings (drilling, hammering) after 10 p.m., a fine of up to €5000 can be imposed.

We also wrote about which European countries' residents are more satisfied with their lives. People live best in northern and western Europe.