Why does this Swiss grass have a wall?
Because the shared outdoor areas of a Swiss rental building belong to the owner, and the owner decides what happens to them. Tenants use them as the house rules allow, and restrictions need a factual reason and must be proportionate.
Ep. 31 · This is Ueli · 51 seconds. Watch
The real rule
Why the Swiss laugh, and what it means if you're new here.
Small patches of grass around Swiss buildings are often protected with real care, because the owner decides what happens to them. Using one as a turning space for your car can end with a letter, or with a border. As a newcomer, treat every shared lawn as the owner's, and use it as the house rules say.
Blüemli's verdict: Depends on your Verwaltung. Shared outdoor areas belong to the owner. Tenants use them as the house rules allow.
Be like Ueli. Respect the grass. It has a wall now.
Learn more: How to get an apartment in Switzerland
The rule, explained
The tenants' association, the Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband, explains that the green areas of a rental property usually do not belong to one tenant; all residents may use them, within the house rules. Those rules may restrict use, but only with a factual reason and in proportion. The owner, through the property management, the Verwaltung, decides what is done with the outdoor areas. In this episode the Verwaltung chooses a concrete border; that is one building's answer, not a Swiss rule, which is why Blüemli's bell wobbles.
Sources: Mieterinnen- und Mieterverband, tips on neighbours and house rules
Questions people ask
Who decides about the shared outdoor areas of a Swiss rental building?
The owner. Tenants use them as the house rules allow (Mieterverband).
More episodes
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