For many Australians, a balcony is one of the most enjoyable parts of apartment living. It’s a place to enjoy a morning coffee, cook on the BBQ, hang your laundry to dry, enjoy some greenery, or relax with friends after work.
But while balconies often feel like an extension of your home, understanding what you’re permitted to do on them, such as having a BBQ, smoking, or drying clothes outside, is a common challenge in community living.
The answer often depends on your scheme’s by-laws or building rules, as well as how your balcony affects neighbouring lots and common property.
Community living works best when everyone understands the rules that apply to their property. Our free guide explains what by-laws and building rules are, how they can be created or updated, and the role they play in supporting harmonious community living.
Drying clothes on a balcony is one of the most common sources of confusion in community living.
Many people prefer line drying because it’s inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and avoids using a clothes dryer. However, some schemes have by-laws or building rules that regulate where laundry can be hung, particularly when it is visible from outside the building.
Rules may vary between communities. Some permit clothes airers below the balcony railing, while others encourage residents to use communal clotheslines or designated drying areas instead.
Before hanging laundry on your balcony, check your scheme’s by-laws or building rules. What is permitted in one building may not be permitted in another.
For many Australians, weekends and BBQs go hand in hand.
Having a BBQ on a balcony may be permitted in some communities, but restrictions can apply depending on the scheme’s by-laws or building rules. BBQs can create concerns about smoke drift, fire safety, and impacts on neighbouring residents.
The issue is often less about whether a BBQ exists and more about whether its use affects other people living nearby.
A small electric BBQ may be treated differently from a larger gas BBQ, and some communities may impose restrictions on certain equipment or fuel types.
In addition to by-laws, residents should always consider weather and fire conditions. High temperatures, strong winds, and elevated fire danger can increase risks, particularly where balconies are close together or contain outdoor furniture, plants, and other combustible materials.
Before firing up the BBQ, check your by-laws and use common sense. Keep the area clear of flammable materials, never leave a BBQ unattended, and consider keeping a suitable fire extinguisher or fire blanket nearby. If conditions are particularly hot, windy, or subject to fire warnings, it may be safest to postpone cooking or use an alternative method.
Smoking is another issue that often generates questions in community living.
There is no single rule that applies across all strata communities. Instead, smoking is typically addressed through a combination of by-laws, building rules, and nuisance provisions. In some communities, smoking may be restricted in certain locations or circumstances, while in others, broader rules are in place.
The key consideration is often whether smoke is affecting neighbouring lots or common property.
If smoke regularly drifts into nearby apartments, neighbouring residents may raise concerns with the committee or strata, owners corporation, or body corporate manager. This can sometimes lead to disputes if expectations and rules are unclear.
Before assuming smoking is permitted or prohibited, review your scheme’s by-laws or rules and understand how nuisance provisions apply within your community.
In most communities, adding outdoor furniture, plants, and decorative items is a normal part of enjoying a balcony.
However, it’s worth remembering that balconies form part of the building’s overall appearance and may affect neighbouring residents.
Large planters, outdoor storage items, and decorative features can sometimes raise concerns about appearance, drainage, weight, or the risk of objects falling from elevated areas.
The goal is usually not to stop residents from enjoying their balconies. Rather, it is to balance individual preferences with safety and consideration for others living nearby.
Because balconies sit above other lots and common property, owners corporations or body corporates may also consider broader safety implications when developing by-laws or rules or assessing requests relating to balcony use.
Keep items securely positioned and avoid placing objects where they could fall, be blown away in strong winds, or interfere with drainage.
Many residents would like additional privacy, shade, or protection from the weather.
However, installing privacy screens, awnings, external fixtures, or other alterations may require approval before work is undertaken.
This is because changes to the appearance of the building or works that affect common property can trigger approval requirements, even if the balcony is used exclusively by a lot owner.
The approval process can vary between schemes, which is why checking before commencing work is important.
If you’re considering balcony improvements, seek advice before purchasing materials or booking contractors. Understanding the approval process early may help avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
Balconies are often used as additional storage space, particularly in apartments where internal storage is limited.
However, many communities place restrictions on what can be stored on balconies, especially where items are visible from outside the building or may create safety concerns.
Large storage containers, unused furniture, equipment and other household items can affect the property’s appearance and, in some circumstances, become hazards during high winds or severe weather.
Before using your balcony as a storage area, check whether your by-laws or building rules contain restrictions on visible items, balcony storage, or the use of outdoor areas.
Balconies are generally intended to be outdoor living spaces rather than storage areas. Keeping the space tidy can help maintain the appearance of the building and reduce potential safety risks.
Many residents enjoy spending time outdoors with their pets, and balconies can provide a convenient place for fresh air and supervision.
However, balconies are not always designed to function as long-term pet areas. Issues can arise where balconies are regularly used for toileting, pet waste is not cleaned up promptly, or odours and drainage affect neighbouring lots.
Pet waste, food residue, and water runoff can create hygiene concerns and may cause disputes if they impact nearby residents. In some communities, these issues may be addressed through existing by-laws or building rules relating to cleanliness, nuisance, or resident behaviour.
Balcony safety is also important. Pet owners should consider the size of gaps in railings, access to ledges, and the risk of objects being knocked from elevated areas.
Balconies can be a great place for pets to enjoy fresh air, but they should not become a substitute for regular exercise, walks, or designated toileting areas. Cleaning up promptly and being considerate of neighbours can help avoid unnecessary complaints.
Balconies are designed to be enjoyed, but safety should always remain a priority.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, adding furniture, decorating with plants, or storing equipment, balcony safety matters.
Potential issues can include:
Regularly checking the condition of your balcony and promptly reporting maintenance concerns can help reduce risks and support a safer community.
If you notice issues with railings, drainage, balcony surfaces, or other structural elements, notify your committee as
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Balconies are among the most valued features of apartment living, but enjoying them often requires balancing personal preferences with consideration for neighbours and the wider community.
Whether you’re lighting the BBQ, drying laundry, adding plants, or making improvements, understanding your community’s by-laws and building rules is the best place to start.
If you’re ever unsure, your committee or strata, owners corporation, or body corporate manager can help you understand the specific requirements that apply to your community.
This article is edited by Lauren Shaw Regional General Manager and Licensee-in-Charge on October 2026.
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