I live in Geneva and unluckily for me the downstairs neighbours are a kebab shop. Many times they don't switch their exhaust fans on and my whole apartment smells like kebab and pizza, Doest do to well on the clothes for work.

We went and asked nicely to switch thier exhaust fans on but they refuse saying that it will cost them in electricity. We tell then that we'll contact the building landlord however they say that they cant do anything. Is there a government agency that can fine them?

You have to get the service of a lawyer. Because a lawyer will have to prove the fact of "Belästigung" (major personal disturbance) and make it a legal matter.

You can try dobbing them into the 'food & hygiene' authorities. That'll really get them going.

Did you try complaining to the landlord ?

Our landlord would probably have a fit if he thought the restaurant weren't doing the right thing - but we live above a fabulous Thai restaurant, and they are very fastidious about the place being exceptionally neat and clean (they wash their outdoor bin every week after it's emptied and leave it to dry properly to minimise the smell)...

Thanks I these posts are great. EF is so great. We will contact the landlord on Monday that we did a little homework and that Geruchs belästigung will be next.

I think a legal threat via the landlord will do the job, and if that doesn't work then I will have to try and recuperate the costs of my bed, lounge, rug, clothes Manchester and legal costs.

Though I would rather just live and let live

Anyone knows of a good lawyer?

So I guess the owner wasn't helpful?

Like a friend here would say "Honey, with that attitude, you'd not find many friends here"...

Why not move? The poor Kebab shop has to close because of you?

Wow can't imagine that!

I dont want friends I just want to be able to put my head down on a pillow and not for it to smell like day old pizza

Why not move.. you obviously havent heard of the housing situation in Geneva.

If you read the OP then you would understand that we dont want the Kebab shop to close down.. all we want is for them to switch there f*çkin exhaust fan on

In my experience, there are no good lawyers, there are only expensive lawyers.

Taking place over comercial premisis can always be fraught due to noises or smells. When they are doing things right like Swisspeas example then it's great, sounds like you have the other end of the spectrum sadly. If they are not using the extracts properly (at all) and this is affecting your quality of life then Wolli's answer about going to a lawyer is the only 1 open if they kepab shop wont play ball.

Good luck but FWIW... Kebap smells like Chanel after 6 pints

If I have a very strong case and the loser has to pay legal fees then I'll take the most expensive lawyer out there

Ther's bound to be more than a few blood sucking Lawyers out there that would fight tooth and nail for this kind of attitude from clients to flourish!!!

Care to share the name of this Thai restaurant? sounds like a good place to eat

conclusion

I made a complain to the real estate, and strange enough 2 weeks later the place closed down. Kebab free for 2 months .. still moving though

I just hope you went to see this time before moving.This way you won't be forced to to complain about things which can be seen before you accept a flat.

it's tough isn't it- as there is such a shortage of flats for rent. I'd just hate to live over a fast-food place with a vengeance. Not sure if the noise of the extraction fan would be worse than the smell- and perhaps once extracted, the smells would then disturb other neighbours further up?

And yet - really, if you take an apartment above such a place, surely you have to consider that there might well be inconveniences, be it noise, smells, etc. NO?

So these people have lost their livelyhood - perhaps due to your complaint- and you will move on anyway

Why do you bother to explain this Odile ? People like the OP most likely don't even understand what you are talkiing about.

You mean there are also other people in this world?!? Who also need a job?!? No!!!

Knowing Geneva, finding new premises for a kebab shop is probably much easier than finding new lodgings. I wouldn't worry.