Balconies and Verandas Are "Common Areas"
Balconies and verandas in rental properties are spaces that tenants use daily, yet legally they are defined as "common areas with exclusive use rights." In other words, while tenants have the right to occupy and use these spaces, they remain shared property of the entire building, and building management regulations and lease agreement rules take precedence.
If you use your balcony freely without understanding the concept of "exclusive use rights," you may face restoration to original condition costs upon move-out, or in the worst case, conflicts with neighbors. It is crucial to confirm the rules carefully at move-in. We also explain how balcony size and orientation affect living comfort.