The sun is shining, the dog and children are running around in the garden, and you're relaxing on the garden lounger. Owning your own property with a garden is truly wonderful. But ownership doesn't just mean freedom and opportunities for personal growth. You also have to expect responsibilities and regulations.

Obligation to tolerate

As a homeowner, you are connected to the municipal water supply. Garbage is collected by the local waste collection service. These are impacts on your property that must be tolerated. The same applies to energy suppliers who have to lay the lines to connect to the supply network. Only in choosing the energy company do homeowners have free rein.

Snow removal and salting obligation

When it gets colder, the first snow falls, and the ground begins to freeze, it's time again to clear and grit the paths on and in front of your property. This applies even if the path in front of your garden fence is a public sidewalk. Otherwise, the property owner is liable in the event of damage to a third party.

Mandatory use

If an owner wishes to use their property for commercial purposes, this is only possible if it has been approved under building regulations. If the property was only approved for residential use, no commercial activity may be established there.

Duty to ensure traffic safety

This obligation, similar to the duty to clear snow and ice, is intended to protect third parties. It also serves to prevent damage caused by negligence on the part of the owner. Specifically, this means that rotten roof tiles that could fall must be removed. Defects in and around the house, including playground equipment on the property, must not pose a danger. If an accident does occur, the owner is liable. Therefore, such potential hazards should be checked regularly.

Implement energy-efficient renovation measures

Under certain conditions, the owner must implement energy-efficient renovation measures. These mandatory structural modifications can be found in the Building Energy Act (GEG) .

Do you have questions about buying and selling real estate or other matters? Then contact us. We'd be happy to advise you.

Notes

For the sake of readability, this text uses the generic masculine form. Female and other gender identities are explicitly included where relevant to the statement.

Legal notice

This article does not constitute tax or legal advice for any specific case. Please consult a lawyer and/or tax advisor to clarify the facts of your individual situation.

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