People with their own flat have more rights now. They can install air conditioning on their balcony. The highest court in Germany decided this.
The group of owners cannot easily say no. Often there was a fight about noise. Or about the look. The court says now: Noise is no reason for a ban.
The law is about split devices. These machines have 2 parts. One part is inside the flat. One part stands on the balcony. Workers drill a hole in the wall.
Other owners can only say no in special cases. They need a strong reason. Fear of noise is not enough. Using the machine is often allowed.
Is the machine too loud later? Then neighbors can complain. The owner must fix the noise. But the owner rarely has to remove the machine.
More people in Germany use air conditioning. Summers are getting hotter. Flats under the roof are often very warm.
Austria also wants new rules soon. The rules are still strict there. The government wants to change the law.
