18.04.2025

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Celebrate Easter – but sure! Legal tips for tenants, landlords and organisers
Easter stands for joy, tradition and communal activities. Whether Easter ester in the staircase, Easter egg hunt in the park or Easter fire : Easter makes fun, but also holds legal pitfalls. This article explains how to make Easter celebrations, decorations and events compliant - for safe and relaxed Easter days!
1. Danger in the staircase - How the district court Dortmund holds tenants and landlords in obligation
A seemingly harmless Easter test caused a sensation in Dortmund. According to the Dortmund District Court (Az. 425 C 4188/12) a tenant stumbled over an Easter Estonia parked in the stairwell and injured herself. The court saw the office´s duty to secure the office violated and appealed to the plaintiff who had lost compensation.
What does the obligation to secure the traffic mean?
The obligation to secure traffic requires landlords to keep common areas such as stairwells free from sources of danger. Tenants, on the other hand, are obliged not to leave any items that could become a trip trap.
Practical consequences for landlords
Owner should:
Clearly define provisions for the use of common areas in house rules or lease agreement.
Regularly check and intervene actively when items such as decorations, bicycles, strollers or shoe mats are placed in the staircase.
Tips for tenants
Do not set up decorations or objects in the stairwell.
Notify potential danger points to the landlord immediately.
2. Easter egg hunt in the park - what is allowed, what is prohibited?
A private Easter egg hunt is a highlight for many families. But when is it necessary for this, and what needs to be considered so that Easter fun remains legally harmless?
Private or public - a crucial difference
For small, private Easter egg hunts in the closest family or among friends, you usually do not need permission. As soon as the event grows or is publicly advertised (flyer, social media), cities and towns often speak of a special use. An official permit is usually required here.
When do you need permission?
Events with more than 20 participants
Public application of the event (flyer, Internet)
Contact the competent authority (General Office or Green Space Office) at an early stage.
Important rules for a safe Easter egg hunt
Remove all decorations and packaging after the event.
Protect sensitive areas such as flower beds and nature reserves.
Make sure that other park visitors are not disturbed or disabled.
Observe your traffic safety obligation and avoid pitfalls.
3. Easter Fire - Enjoy Tradition and Avoid Trouble
Easter fires are among the oldest customs in the German-speaking countries. But those who are not careful risks severe fines. An important judgment of the Higher Administrative Court of North Rhine-Westphalia (file: 21 B 727/04) shows what to look out for.
When is an Easter fire allowed?
Easter fires are permitted if they serve the maintenance of customs, are publicly accessible and are organised by communities or associations. However, pure green waste disposal is strictly forbidden !
What counts as "betting"?
Publicly accessible event
Organizer is a club that municipality or church
Accompanying cultural or traditional activities (music, meal together)
Beware of concealed waste disposal
An Easter fire must not primarily be used for the disposal of vegetable waste. Authorities are examining critically whether the customary character is actually in the foreground.
Tips for a legally secure Easter fire
Host your Easter fire together with clubs or local organisations.
Please register the fire with the relevant authority in good time and keep all specifications.
Accentuate the custom character clearly and publicly.
Inform neighbours early to avoid complaints.
Layered fuel only immediately against lighting to protect anim