The place where more than two toilets in homes are banned

Rules exist for the good of the community. But sometimes, in the world of property and home ownership, some laws are so over-the-top, they don’t seem real.

These are some of the most bizarre real estate rules from around the world.

TWO LOOS FOR YOU

On Waldron Island,  between Washington State in the US and Canada, no dwelling can be built with more than two toilets.

The spare toot – or second powder room – is capped at one in this small community.

The rule is aimed at conserving water and was passed into law in 1995.

OUTDOOR SOFAS OUTLAWED

In Boulder, in the state of Colorado, homeowners are not allowed to put upholstered furniture on their patios or porches.

The law was enacted in 2002 and aimed to prevent rogue university students from setting plush furniture alight. Off campus chaos led to pupils pinching couches from outdoor areas around neighbourhoods and setting them on fire, so now, only hard chairs al fresco are permitted.

SUNDAY SLEEP IN

No DIY is allowed on weekends in New Jersey and New York. Anyone who wants to do some home improvements on Saturday or Sunday needs a permit for their intended activities. Otherwise, weekdays are completely fine to spruce up your joint.

The rule protects the quiet enjoyment of residents living in close quarters in terraces and apartments.

New Jersey specifically bans painting and roofing work on weekends.

LAWN LAW

In some parts of New Mexico, US, homeowners cannot install a verdant lawn, even though the American home ideal includes a vast grassy yard. Water shortages have led to the ban, and instead, residents use shells and stones to make their front gardens look landscaped and thoughtfully presented.

In some districts of Nevada, homeowners are not allowed to plant decorative grass – again, because of water conservation.

FLUSH OR NOT TO FLUSH

Living in Zurich demands an iron-clad bladder. In the Swiss capital, it is illegal to flush the toilet in an apartment building after 10pm. This behaviour would fall specific quiet times, as determined by the strata body.

The same apparently goes for wearing high heels in an apartment, with a thought for those living below.

FURRY FRIENDS

Also in Switzerland, it is against the law to own just one guinea pig. It is deemed harmful to the welfare of the guinea pig not to have a mate, so you must own a minimum of two.

It is guaranteed that no guinea pig in Switzerland will ever be lonely.