German Federal Court Rules Apartment Owners Can Install Air Conditioning on Balconies
The German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) in Karlsruhe ruled on July 17, 2026, that apartment owners generally have the right to install split air conditioning units with outdoor units on their balconies, provided the rights of other owners are not excessively impaired. The court clarified that noise from the unit must be tolerated within certain limits and does not automatically justify rejection. While structural changes like drilling through the facade require a homeowners' association resolution, a court can override a majority vote if no excessive impairment exists. The ruling comes amid rising demand for air conditioning in Germany, where 17% of households already have AC and 20% plan to purchase one. Sales of split units increased from 260,000 in 2023 to 320,000 in 2025, with further growth expected in 2026 following recent hot summers.
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