Why hanging a flag from your balcony in Spain could cost you €3,000

In the midst of the World Cup, it is not an uncommon sight to see flags displayed on balconies in a show of patriotism and support for the Spanish team. However, residents and visitors may get a shock fine if they decide to hang a flag from their railings; regulations established in the Horizontal Property Law could lead to harsh fines, even reaching up to €3,000 for unsuspecting holidaymakers and locals who hang their flags incorrectly.

Not about patriotism, but rather safety: Why flags are a point of contention during the World Cup

The law in question has nothing to do with patriotism or symbolism, but rather with safety and coexistence with other locals. To be specific, the law establishes a correct and incorrect installation and distribution of national flags, in order to minimise the effect on neighbouring homes, aesthetics of the façade, and even risk to passers-by.

Holidaymakers and residents could be harshly sanctioned if a flag or element placed on a balcony:

• Poses a risk of falling down or is poorly secured and could pose a danger to people walking on a public road.
• Invades other people’s property by blocking windows or reducing visibility.
• Goes against public ordinances, particularly in municipalities that restrict the placement of certain elements on balconies and railings on buildings (these restrictions often restrict temporary and festive displays).

Sanctions for non-compliance: Harsh fines for those who incorrectly hang flags and other disruptive objects

The following offences could result in fines ranging from €150 up to €3,000

• Minor offences, including hanging visible laundry and dripping water down to neighbouring flats and streets: fines can range from €150 to €750.
• Serious offences, including ignoring municipal requirements or repeat offences: fines can range from €751 to €1,500.
• Cases where there is no damage reported, but the Local Police find that there is a danger to passers-by: fines can range from €150 to €3,000.
• If an object falls and causes injury to another person, the penalty can be unlimited, and can vary depending on what the court decides, and depending on the damage caused.

The good news?

According to both the General Council of Associations of Property Administrators of Spain, as well as various legal experts, displaying a flag temporarily, in this case during the World Cup, does not constitute a legal or urban planning disturbance. Additionally, the law prohibits unauthorised changes to the exteriors of buildings, but this applies to major works including changing balconies, but typically not to hanging a flag.

This means that hanging a flag during this global event is considered a harmless, temporary display, and as long as it does not pose a risk of harming others or causing a disturbance for neighbours, holidaymakers and locals can feel free to showcase their support for the teams.

The bottom line for feverish football fans

For British expatriates looking to join in the tournament spirit, the takeaway is clear: you don’t need to stifle your patriotism, but you do need to keep it secure. By ensuring your flag is safely fastened, respectful of your neighbours’ space, and strictly temporary, you can fly your colours with no problem. After all, the only thing worse than your team being eliminated from the World Cup is facing a hefty €3,000 fine from the local town hall.