Residents prohibited from using balconies in Hellersdorf!
Article:
A Balcony Ban for a Multi-Family House in Hellersdorf
Summer evenings spent on the balcony amidst a mini garden, soaking up the sun, and sipping morning coffee are a common pleasure, but residents of a house on Tangermünder Straße 11-13 have been barred from using their balconies for over a week.
Due to falling debris and damaged tiles, the housing association "Stadt und Land" has issued a warning letter on May 16, stating that the balconies present an immediate risk of collapse. Safety concerns have prompted the tenants to vacate their outdoor spaces, with construction fences now encircling the building.
According to a representative from the housing association, inspections have revealed corrosion of steel parts and cracks in the concrete, as well as hollow spots and brittle, loose components. A worker from the responsible construction company has been on the site for a week, conducting necessary repairs and, in one instance, removing the entire breastwork due to its inability to hold up.
Structural engineers must assess the damage and determine whether a renovation or complete removal and reinstallation of the balconies is required. A timeline for these repairs remains uncertain.
For Eva Last, a 70-year-old resident who has lived in the house since it was built in the mid-80s, the ban is particularly disappointing. As an avid outdoors enthusiast, she cherishes her balcony and enjoys reading and relaxing there, even in inclement weather. Most distressing for her is the loss of her tomato plants.
Nastia Tkach (42) and her husband share similar concerns, as their balcony plays a crucial role in drying their laundry.
On a positive note, tenants can expect a corresponding rent reduction while they are unable to use their balconies.
Preventing balcony collapses involves regular inspections, proactive maintenance, water management, community awareness, and legislative compliance. In this instance, the focus lies on addressing the immediate concerns of the residents in Hellersdorf as they await further updates from structural engineers.
In light of the balcony ban, tenants like Eva Last, an avid outdoors enthusiast who cherishes her balcony for reading and relaxation, and Nastia Tkach (42), who depends on her balcony for drying laundry, are temporarily adjusting their home-and-garden lifestyle without access to their outdoor spaces. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining the structural integrity of multi-family homes, particularly in regard to home-and-garden areas such as balconies.
