Myth Check: Leaving personal belongings in the stairwell
04.05.2026
We take common real estate and housing myths under the microscope and show you what’s actually true.
Myth: “It’s okay to leave things like shoes, furniture or a stroller in the stairwell as long as no one complains.”
❌ That’s not true.
The stairwell is a shared area and primarily serves as an escape and rescue route. That’s why items can’t simply be left there at will – whether in rental buildings or condominiums.
- Regulations matter: What’s allowed depends on the house rules, the rental agreement or the condominium regulations. In many buildings, it’s clearly stated that no items are permitted in the stairwell – often not even shoes.
- Safety comes first: Escape routes must be kept clear at all times. Bicycles, shelves or other items left in the stairwell can pose a risk.
- No acquired rights: Even if it’s tolerated in some places, there is no entitlement to leave items in the stairwell.
- Property management can step in: If items are left there, this can be prohibited and their removal can be required.
Conclusion
The stairwell is not a storage space. What can be placed there is usually strictly regulated – and simply leaving items there is generally not allowed, even if no one in the building objects.
