The janitor/building caretaker just snapped at me this evening, apparently he had gotten a phone call from some neighbours who had complained that I was changing my tyres.
No loud tools, or any loud noises, just... it was a Sunday. I should have known better, and should have waited until tomorrow.
But his threat was less fun (if you do anything like that again, I'll notify the building owners, and you'll get a registered letter!).
This got me thinking. The indoor parking spots have rules, like no flammables, allowed to keep a set of tyres, and no repairs allowed. I've got an outdoor parking spot however, and am not aware of any such rules existing for those. The building regulations do not mention anything about this.
Regardless, maybe you have more experience regarding those things. Does changing tyres (well, whole wheels) count as a "repair"? Is it generally allowed to do this when renting a flat and a parking spot in Switzerland?
Or would it be allowed to find a public parking spot and do it there? I tried to find something regarding this on https://www.astra.admin.ch/ but couldn't find anything, might be missing the correct search key words...
Or any other options you could think of, apart from buying a house with a huge fence so people can't complain to the police when I don't follow the sabbath?
I have always done it, even when renting. (we own ours for a number of years now, but before we rented), and I've never had a problem.
I also rent three garages, and will park e/o do work outside of them, never a problem. The owner once told me that if I rent a fourth, he'll build a car port between them! (I have two on the left, and one on the right, at the end of the parking area).
If you have a flat tire, I am certain you don’t have to wait until Monday. If you had four flat tires (vandals) I’m certain you wouldn’t have to wait until Monday.
If you are not making noise I see no problem with Sundays. I rake leaves on Sundays, I don’t use the blower.
The threat seems pretty empty. What else did they threaten you with? The comfy chair? (Apologies to Monty Phython).
You have broken no rules so why would the owner send you a letter? If you had broken the law, it’s a police matter.
Thank you. Interesting read, although I didn't see any clear answer there either. The bit about going to a highway stop could be worth a try!
(Fun side story, I once bought some fancy chrome-y lug nuts, couldn't wait till I was home to put them on. Stopped on a highway stop, and started exchanging them. Out of nowhere a huge Ukrainian truck driver arrived, pushed me out of the way, saying "I help you" (Think he was slightly drunk...) -- he managed to damage the threads on four of the studs before I could get him to go away again)
there is no hiding from the binocular-wielding neighbours
OMG such heretic behaviour
Actually, now that you mention it... Now I understand why the Police suddenly appeared one evening while I was cleaning my motorcycle (no shampoo, no power tools, just a rag and some polish) -- they must have been called by that same neighbour who complained yesterday... (incidentally, they told me to go back inside, apparently being near your own motorcycle while it's dark is forbidden )
I would think so. Ordinary sundays aren't "can't do anything" days, you just can't produce unnecessary noise (noise, as opposed to sounds like the tinkle of your tools getting deposited on the asphalt).
Just for completeness' sake, not applicable to you, a few public holiday days are indeed "can't do anything" days. Kanton Thurgau still mostly follows the catholic liturgy in this (-> "Hochfest"), which makes the following 5 days so solemn you can't even dance in public (IIRC starting the day before, from 10pm or so). These days are
Karfreitag (Good Friday)
Ostersonntag (Easter Sunday)
Pfingstsonntag (Whit Sunday)
Bettag (Eidg. Buss- und BetTag, in 2021 that was September 19)
Weihnachten (Dec 25)
Perhaps call the landlord to see what they say, the housekeeper's reaction based on your description makes no sense - maybe the caller complained about excessive noise and he didn't verify. Anyways, armed with that ammo talk to the housekeeper to learn what his problem is, it's usually better to not let such stuff smolder.
I guess your landlord could forbid this, but that aside it's even Ok to change the oil on your parking space as long as you have the proper equipment, including containers to catch and transport the oil, and don't spill any (and mop up the drops that still escape). Cleaning or polishing your bike should be a complete non-issue.
That happened to me as well. In an underground parking (multiple box garages), some dude (concierge??) also told me that I can't work on my motorbike. He told me that garage is only to store things or park a vehicle.
Even if it is silent maintenance, me being there triggers automatic lights which would consume electricity. Also I can plug additional lightning from common socket. Anyway, probably he was just jealous about my bike
And sh1t like this is why I got a shed with a couple of friends. Tools, cars, motorcycles, tires, whatever stay there, we go there, have a couple of beers, do whatever we like, and then go home.