I guess swiss people are more concerned about those things than anywhere else.......talk to your "Hauswart" about the rules...it saves you a lot of trouble.
We did and he had a word with them and agreed not to do it anymore, just been covered again as I was admiring the view of the mountains. This time not just dog crap but also bits of food. Now they have been asked three times, one polite letter and one further meeting in person. No one can accuse us of not trying to resolve this directly and amicably, which I believe is the best way.
Checked the signed agreement for the apartments and there it is Article 64: No shaky, shaky your crap from the balcony (that is my French to English summation).
Writing to the Reggie who we pay a monthly fee for cleaning and general upkeep as they are supposed to deal with general issues.
Next step I guess is a letter from a lawyer if that fails.
I hate the thought of next summer when we decide to eat lunch on the balcony to have it covered in crap. I know there have been some jokes but this is seriously unpleasant.
In the UK we are on the top floor, second floor with a balcony on one side and juliette balcony on other- must say I am very careful to respect neighbours below. Any stuff shaken from there would end up on the flower bed or the patio by shared fob access entrance, and the separate entrance to one of the flats, or on the other side, on the lovely wooden bench at the back of the elderly couple on ground floor.- out of order I'd say (and not just in Switzerland). Basic respect, here, there or anywhere- nothing to do with 'rules'.
We have taken dog blankets out with us in the car to shake in the countryside.
This is really quite hilarious, why, thank you everyone, especially fortesp, you must be a real gem and somewhat oddly preoccupied with balconies! I can see you have all been holding your breath to get an update to this for 9 years
So, we have moved about 7 times since I asked this question and yes, I still don't think it's SUCH a huge sin to shake a small table cloth that is practically clean off a balcony BUT because we love to be loved, we don't even shake a napkin off the balcony anymore and life has been soooo much better
Thank you EF!
Oh and we live on the top floor now, so no nasty foreigner can move in upstairs and do it to us :-)!