By asking whether you can sue, you just confirmed you're stupid.
Learn the language so you can communicate with him , you're the guest here, he is in his own country speaking his own language so pretty much makes you look really stupid
Guys I'm shocked with your responses and groans! That old prick should NOT under ANY circumstances yell or TOUCH anyone, especially a paying tenant! WTF was he thinking he was? A Swiss king?? He should be punished (verbaly) for this shameful behavior! He does damage to the Swiss people image :/ Unless he's mentally ill... Ask neighbours and complain on him :/
We have one side of the story from someone who, based on posts to date, behaves like a spoiled little princess.
You are still no making yourself clear. Was the washer ROOM locked/closed- and was the schedule posted on the door? How did you call him- knock on his door?
Of course he shouldn't have pushed you, that is clear.
Our laundry rooms/facilities etc. remain locked 24/7. If someone on our schedule is late doing theirs, then the whole schedule gets behind, as at the end of one's turn the key has to be passed on. If the guy before me brings the key late and I have to wash bed linen and let it dry properly in the drying room maybe overnight or all day, then I am not able to pass the key on to the lady who is next, in time for her turn to begin punctually, but she knows that it is the man before me who does this as I have made it clear that this is what is happening over and over again and that he is not neighbourly. I leave the washing machine room open for her sometimes so she can get started whilst I may still be drying. It's just a question of being neighbourly and working it out.
Nevertheless, the best solution to avoid any hassle and/or confrontation in this sense is to install a washing machine in one's own flat. I would never go back to not having my own machine as I find the schedule system and the locked door/restricted access rule totally ridiculous per se, especially as I pay running costs of the building and so am paying to use those facilities too, it's absurd that 75% of the time for example these facilities are not even being used.
It's hard to believe that in 2015 and in a civilized country people still have to go without a staple of life- a washer & dryer. It cannot be that hard to bring this up to 21st century standards.
This sharing laundry is stressful and unsanitary.
Not everyone will let you do that because of the noise.
OP:
Maybe complain, or better talk to your regie? Ps. do you have a legal costs insurance? :>
No good doing that. Reggie's been dead for years.
Ronnie, too.
If your room mate understands German, how is it you both did not know about the change to the washing room schedule?
We had a terrible janitor here once, about 10 years ago, his behaviour was very similar, and he was fired after many, many complaints. His name was [removed], loved by the Swiss and hated by foreigners.
You should complain to the agency/owner in writing (German).
But nobody can stop you, since it is not illegal to install a washing machine in a flat. In actual fact, nobody else in the building need know about it. It is more a question of common sense, I obviously don't use it evenings/nights.
I would also say that, sometimes, what sounds like horrible shouting in German is actually regular talk
There is a whole Youtube series on "How German Sounds Compared to Other Languages".
Ok, jokes aside, miserable gits happen anywhere. Try to put this unfortunate event behind you. I would still mention to the landlord that yes, you may have been in the wrong regarding the washing schedule, but that does not give someone a free pass to yell, and worse, touch you. That is NOT ok.
But of course they can stop you- many leases clearly stipulate that you are not allowed to install a washing machine in the flat- due to noise, risk of flooding and vibrations that can cause damage to older floors, etc.
Or from 12-14 every day, or in the morning or after 18 or on Saturdays-Sundays at all? :> If he has such a nasty person in the building (assuming it was not one big misunderstanding), it would only escalate things...
Exactly. Wednesday is always our day to wash. The schedule apparently changed from last week, but none of us knew about it. That's why my roomie went ape shit when he told her she couldn't wash today.
I'm disappointed. The initial impression I had of Swiss people was polite, respectful and easy-going. From my experience today and the feedback from this forum, I'm seeing a whole new side I never witnessed before.
Our renting contract clearly stipulates that's it's forbidden to instal a washing machine in our place unless we have the landlord's written agreement. And this is pretty common.
Ya it was a shock for me as well coming from friendly Ireland but pretty soon my Polish side kicked in and now look how many times I have been groaned at by dodgyken and st2lemans, not to mention my terrible opinion :P
"People" don't. Just tenants - especially tenants who live in slum accommodation. There are plenty of rented apartments with exclusive access to their own washer/dryers.
If one insists on scrimping on accommodation like a peasant, then one should expect to live like a peasant.
As far as I know, no one knows I have one. Even if they did know, they can't object. Moreover I don't have a lease to respect as I don't rent. One of the first things I did when I moved in was to install a washing machine, for me it is an essential.
It is not forbidden in house rules here and is not illegal in any way. There is also no restriction on when one can be used here, i.e. nothing in house rules about it. I can switch it on any time any day. As mentioned, as common sense and courtesy, I do not use it evenings or nights. But I do run it when (days/times) I want to, - that is the difference and big advantage.
If you think that paying 2550 monthly for our flat is scrimping then there is no hope for Switzerland. Please don't be rude. We don't have exclusive access to the washing machine neither.
I had several roomies from Ireland before at one time.. They're so cool