Those who clean the house regularly know that not all domestic hygiene gestures are harmless. Shaking rugs or windows through the windows can lead to neighbors conflicts and, in some cases, lead to fines greater than 6,000 euros, according to Marketeer magazine.
It is old custom in many Portuguese buildings to shake rugs, blankets or towels through the windows, balconies or doors facing the street. However, what seems like a simple domestic task can easily turn into a complaint to neighbors, especially when they fall from animals, crumbs, powder or hair on other people’s balconies, extended clothing or parked vehicles.
According to the same publication, Deco Proteste explains that this practice not only compromises the good coexistence between neighbors, but in several cities is subject to legal sanctions provided for in municipal regulations.
Municipal rules impose restrictions
Several municipalities include in their hygiene and cleaning regulations specific provisions on this matter. This is the case of Nazareth, where it is clearly prohibited “to shake or beat blankets, rugs, packs, facts, clothing or other objects of the windows, balconies and doors to the public road whenever predictable that their waste from passersby or third party goods.”
Those who break this standard can face a high fine that, in the municipality of Matosinhos, can reach the 6,350 euros, according to the source mentioned above.
Deco Proteste recommends to citizens to be informed by the City Council of their area of residence to confirm whether there is their own regulation and how it should be applied.
Civism and resolution between neighbors
Although Portuguese legislation allows the intervention of the authorities in case of infraction, Deco Proteste points out, in the same publication, that the first step should always be the dialogue. Talking directly to the neighbor, in a polite manner, can solve the problem without resorting to formal complaints.
In these cases, the condominium administrator does not have a direct function, as it is a matter between individuals, not an infraction in the common areas of the building. However, if the internal regulation of the condominium contains rules of conduct that prevent this type of behaviors, the administrator may alert the offender to the expected consequences, as referred to in.
If all attempts at understanding fail and the situation persists, the denunciation of local authorities becomes the proper procedure. Even for those who clean the house regularly and value hygiene, respect for the norms and space of others is essential to avoid unnecessary conflicts and fines.
Also know, as a curiosity, that in Lisbon the rules on urban hygiene date back to the nineteenth century. Already at this time, municipal regulations prohibited to throw dirty waters, garbage or dust through the windows, a common practice in the narrow streets of the city. The measure intended to avoid odors and improve health conditions in a rapidly growing capital.
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