Barbecuing on the balcony: what’s permitted?

Where there’s a barbecue, there’s smoke. Music, chatter and loud laughter are also often part and parcel of this. While it may be a relaxed evening barbecue for you, your neighbours may actually feel inconvenienced by it. In order to avoid heated neighbourhood quarrels in the hot summer, follow our barbecue etiquette tips to avoid any potential trouble.

Consult the tenancy agreement and house rules

There are no “barbecue-specific” regulations in tenancy law. However, depending on the property management, rules on barbecuing may be specified in the tenancy agreement or in the house rules. As a first step, you should therefore read the tenancy agreement and the house rules carefully.

If barbecuing isn’t mentioned, it is permitted on the balcony, terrace or in the garden. This does not mean, however, that your neighbours simply have to put up with the heavy smoke: you must show due consideration at all times, and barbecuing is no exception. If you repeatedly violate this rule, you run the risk of the property management taking action against the smoke and odour.

Mutual consideration when barbecuing

In the previous section, we mentioned due consideration. However, the concept of mutual consideration is not a one-way street. No, you shouldn’t be smoking up your neighbourhood all the time. On the other hand, barbecuing is generally permitted, which means your neighbours have to accept it as long as they are not unduly inconvenienced by heavy smoke or intrusive smells.

That’s why we recommend that you don’t barbecue too often and check with the neighbours if anyone feels bothered by your actions in order to prevent arguments.

The right barbecue

The classic charcoal barbecue has one major disadvantage: it produces a lot of smoke. We recommend switching to an alternative that produces less smoke:

• Gas barbecue with lid

• Electric barbecue with lid

• Vertical barbecue (food hangs next to the embers)

• Smoke-free barbecue (e.g. LotusGrill)

Tips for smoke-free barbecuing

Below, you will find some tips for barbecuing without smoking up a storm:

• Only use as much charcoal and fire starters as you need

• Never burn treated or fresh wood

• Do not burn household waste

• Try to limit the amount of fat and marinade dripping into the embers

• Ideally, barbecue any meat wrapped in tin foil

• Clean the barbecue thoroughly after each use

Respect noise curfews and let your neighbours know that there will be some noise

Whether it’s a small barbecue with the family or a big barbecue party: you must comply with the legally permitted noise levels at night. If you already know that your barbecue party will be a long one, we recommend that you inform your neighbours.

Tell them what time the party is going to start and warn them that it might get a little louder. Also give them your mobile number and assure them that they can always let you know if the noise level is too high. If you get along particularly well with your neighbour(s), you can even take the opportunity to invite them.

Communication is also important if you feel disturbed by regular barbecues in the neighbourhood. Explain calmly what is bothering you and seek solutions by being willing to compromise. If an open conversation doesn’t bring any improvement, it’s best to write down exactly what happened when. You can then send your letter to the property management.