Do some quick shopping after work, meet up with friends – oh yes, the laundry has to be done too. Can the washing machine just run at night? And what about Sundays?
The most important things at a glance
If you travel a lot or only come home in the evening, you rarely have the opportunity to do your laundry during the day. Many then like to leave their washing machine on overnight or postpone doing laundry until Sunday. In itself this is not a problem – one might think. Or?
Can I do laundry at night?
Washing machines are very noisy, especially during the spin cycle. In poorly soundproofed apartments, some neighbors can quickly feel disturbed by this background noise – especially if the loud vibrations of the washing machines keep them from sleeping.
Does that mean that the washing machine is not allowed to run during the general quiet times – usually between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. or 8 a.m.? In general, no noise pollution is allowed during this time, for example through loud music. Some courts – including the Freiburg Regional Court (AZ: 9 S 60/13) – ruled that tenants must also be considerate of their neighbors when using certain household machines such as a washing machine or dryer. Accordingly, he must also comply with the rest periods.
However: When it comes to noise pollution during quiet times, some judges ruled that there can be exceptions for working people – insofar as the noise is not “excessive” or an unreasonable impairment for other tenants (OLG Düsseldorf, 5 Ss (OWi) 411/90).
For example, you can prevent disputes – and thus a ban on washing at night – by placing your washing machine on a washing machine mat to dampen vibrations and leaving sufficient space between the appliance, walls and furniture so that the machine does not “knock” against it when spinning.
Tipp
It is best to also pay attention to what is written in the house rules. If specific information is given here about the use of noisy household appliances, it is better to stick to it. Otherwise, the landlord can give you notice.
Can I do laundry on Sundays?
Sunday is considered a rest day. According to Article 140 of the Basic Law, Sunday rest is constitutionally protected. For example, mowing the lawn is prohibited on this day. And how is the situation with laundry? After all, this device also emits a certain amount of noise pollution.
Most judges also allow use of the washing machine on Sundays. However, the noise pollution must not be too great (OLG Cologne, AZ: 16 Wx 165/00). So if neighbors complain, you may have to forego doing laundry on Sundays – at least with the washing machine.
What if my washing machine breaks down at night?
Certain washing machines are not allowed to run unattended. These include, for example, the models that are not equipped with an Aqua-Stop system. If water damage occurs with this device, its owner is grossly negligent, explains the General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV).
In this case, the insurance company would not pay for the costs of repairing the damage. If your washing machine causes water damage while you are sleeping and therefore cannot supervise the appliance, this is not considered gross negligence according to the GDV.
