Fines of up to €3,000 for doing laundry at night in several Spanish cities

The Horizontal Property Law prohibits noisy activities that disturb neighbours. Fines vary by city, reaching up to €3,000 in Barcelona.

Spanish families are changing their habits to save on electricity, but this strategy can be costly if they do not consider the noise generated by their appliances. With rising electricity rates, many choose to do laundry at night, taking advantage of cheaper rates. However, this practice could result in severe penalties if deemed bothersome to neighbours.

The Horizontal Property Law (LPH) establishes clear rules regarding coexistence among neighbours, and its article 7.2 prohibits activities that may be harmful or annoying. Although using appliances late at night is not prohibited, the noise generated can lead to serious conflicts if it affects the rest of other residents.

In summer, when windows are open, sounds are amplified, and a washing machine can generate between 45 and 70 decibels, far exceeding the permitted limits at night, which range from 25 to 30 decibels. This has led many communities to take drastic measures against those who ignore neighbour complaints.

If a neighbour feels disturbed by the noise, they are likely to file a formal complaint with the president of the community. If the problem is not resolved, legal actions may be initiated that could result in significant fines or even restrictions on the use of the property.

Penalties vary considerably by locality. In Barcelona, where regulations are stricter, violations can cost up to €3,000. In Madrid, fines range from €90 to €600, depending on the severity of the case. Other cities like Valencia and Bilbao impose fines starting from €600. Therefore, it is crucial to review local ordinances before deciding when to operate these appliances.

As summer progresses and temperatures rise, it is advisable to be especially careful with the chosen times for noisy household tasks. Peaceful coexistence depends on mutual respect among neighbours, and knowing these regulations well can prevent larger problems.

Those interested in avoiding conflicts should inform themselves about the specific limits set by their town hall regarding nighttime noise and consider alternatives such as using appliances during daytime hours or seeking quieter solutions for their household tasks.