When you can finally move into that long-awaited property with its own single or double garage, many people think that the garage has finally solved the space, parking, and storage problems that were usually pressing before. After all, with a garage like this, there is plenty of extra space available that can – or rather could – be used for a wide variety of purposes…
Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple:
In a detailed online article entitled “What you are allowed to use your garage for – and what you are not allowed to use it for“FOCUS Online Magazine provides an obvious overview (the article also includes a video) of how quickly garage owners can run the risk of having to pay expensive fines for violating the respective country-specific, regional, or local regulations.
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (and answers) to help you through the jungle of guidelines and rules.
One more note in advance: The following information cannot, should not, and must not replace binding legal advice from a lawyer. We refer to renowned sources such as the ADAC, the portal VERIVOX, or the mobility magazine of the portal bussgeldkatalog.org, etc., but there is no guarantee.
How can a garage actually be used? Frequently asked questions and answers.
The use of garages in Germany is primarily regulated by the garage ordinances of the individual federal states. These stipulate, among other things, that garages are primarily intended for parking motor vehicles. In addition, these ordinances often set out specific requirements for the construction and operation of garages, including safety and fire protection regulations. Furthermore, existing regional or local rules or regulations may also be relevant.
In addition to motor vehicles, the main items that may be stored in garages are those directly related to vehicle use.
This includes, for example, tires, roof racks, jacks, and operating materials such as engine oil and windshield cleaner, but only in small quantities.
Garages may not generally be used as storage or storage rooms. This means that the storage of items unrelated to the vehicle, such as garden furniture, sports equipment, or barbecues, is not officially permitted. Such items are considered to be used for purposes other than their intended purpose and can – in extreme cases – lead to fines. However, as long as a vehicle can still be parked in a garage (and this is done), the authorities will apparently rarely impose a fine for a violation. But it is possible in principle!
The temporary storage of non-car-related items in garages, such as cold-sensitive plants, is also generally not permitted and ultimately depends on the interpretation of the local garage regulations or the goodwill of the responsible authorities. If this issue is to be clarified with certainty, such uses must be clarified in advance with the relevant authorities to avoid possible fines. However, it is unlikely that official permission will be granted in such cases.
In Germany, garages are generally intended for parking vehicles. Use as a party room, office, or permanent workshop is prohibited and may have legal consequences. If the garage is rented, this can lead to the tenancy being terminated.
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Garages may not be used permanently for purposes other than parking vehicles. This includes use as a permanent living space, an office, a party cellar, or a permanent workshop.
The storage of fuels in garages is severely restricted. Depending on the federal state and region, up to 20 liters of petrol or 200 liters of diesel may apparently be stored in tightly sealed and unbreakable containers in small garages with a floor area of up to 100 m² (e.g., in Bavaria). Larger quantities are usually not permitted and can pose a safety risk.
Temporary misuse of the garage, for example, for repairs to your own vehicle, is often tolerated as long as no safety regulations are violated.
Fines can be imposed for violations of the applicable garage usage regulations, the amount of which varies from region to region. These fines can be imposed by local regulatory authorities and in some cases can amount to several thousand euros, especially if the improper use of public parking space is impaired.
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There is probably no uniform nationwide “usage obligation” for garages. However, there may be country-specific, regional, or local regulations that encourage or even explicitly stipulate the parking of vehicles in garages to relieve the pressure on public parking spaces. Violations of such regulations can then lead to fines under certain circumstances.
Also important to know: Anyone who states on their car insurance policy that the vehicle is regularly parked in the garage and does not comply with this may have to accept restrictions to their insurance cover in the event of damage to the vehicle that is not parked in the garage. A corresponding court ruling has already been made in this regard.
The occasional use of a garage as a workshop for your own vehicle is usually permitted as long as its primary function as a parking space is not impaired. However, extensive and regular use as well as commercial activities are generally not permitted.
Yes, landlords may have the right to terminate the tenancy in the event of misuse, especially if contractual or statutory usage regulations are disregarded.
Such meetings could be considered misuse, especially if they take place regularly. It is therefore advisable to avoid such activities to avoid legal problems.
The usage requirements generally apply to all types of garages, including open garages such as carports. The basic rule that the main use must be the parking of vehicles also applies here.
With our garage configurator, you can easily and intuitively put together the size, fittings, doors, windows, and extras in just a few steps. We will then arrange a non-binding consultation with you, based on which you will receive an individual offer, naturally at a fair price and without any obligation to buy. Experience your configured garage in an impressive 3D visualization during the non-binding consultation appointment.
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