Summer at last! Now nothing stands in the way of nice barbecue evenings. But be careful: if you want to fire up your grill on the balcony, you have to follow a few rules.
As soon as the temperatures rise, there is an aromatic barbecue scent in the air again. No wonder, because barbecuing is one of the favorite German leisure activities. Of course, even balcony owners don't want to miss out on this fun. Just because they don't have a garden doesn't mean they have to do without bratwurst, steak and the like.
I am currently working on this topic a little more and putting together a grill (see here). Since I already have a grill in my rented garden, but don't have one for my rented apartment yet, I thought about it and did a little research.
If you live in a rented apartment, you have to be careful. Barbecuing on the balcony is always a cause for trouble with the neighbors. And who likes messing with these? After all, it's so practical that the neighbors can always help out with a cup of sugar or a stick of butter. So if you don't want to risk any trouble, it's best to just follow the rules.
What are the regulations for barbecuing on the balcony?
There are no clearly defined regulations for barbecuing on the balcony in Germany. According to the German Tenants' Association (DMB), however, it is generally permitted (see information on this at http://www.mieterbund.de/). However, this does not apply if your rental agreement states otherwise. So feel free to pick it up and see if barbecuing on the balcony is forbidden. Especially in densely built residential areas, landlords forbid grilling on the balcony.
Furthermore, barbecuing on the balcony is not permitted if your neighbors are disturbed by the smell or the smoke or if the smoke is entering their apartment. You will not face a warning from your landlord, but in the worst case you could be fined because of an administrative offence. It's best here if you just do thatSeek conversation with all neighbors.
Important:
Even if you make sure that no smoke drifts into the other apartments - the barbecue party ends at 10 p.m. Because then the night's rest begins. You can still grill, but there must be no noise on the balcony that would disturb the neighbors. And that's until 7 a.m.
Safety tips for grilling on the balcony
❖ Tip 1 - use an electric or gas grill:
If you want to grill on the balcony, a charcoal grill is not exactly the right choice. There is simply too much smoke, which in turn greatly increases the risk of neighbors complaining. So if you want to avoid this problem from the outset, it is better to use an electric or gas grill. The latter grill variant is best suited for the balcony, because there does not have to be a socket on the balcony. Also:
- you don't have to preheat the grill for a long time
- can the grill temperature be regulated
- no smoke is produced
But if you think that a gas grill always has to be big and bulky, you are wrong. There are also many small models that are well suited. See link tip above.
❖ Tip 2 - keep a safe distance:
Even if you set up a small grill on the balcony: always keep a safe distance from other objects and people, because even the smaller models get very hot all over. Also, make sure that children do not approach or play near the hot grill.
❖ Tip 3 - Provide a watering can/fire extinguisher:
It is best to always put a watering can with water in a corner on the balcony. If the charcoal grill catches fire uncontrollably, you can quickly extinguish the embers. But don't use the water for burning fat! In this case, a small fire extinguisher or fire extinguishing spray should be used (e.g. available at http://www.amazon.de/).
❖ Tip 4 - Inform neighbors in good time:
If you want to use a charcoal grill on the balcony, let your neighbors know in good time. This is important, because grilling with charcoal releases carbon monoxide, which can lead to poisoning in closed rooms. That's why understanding neighbors don't forbid you to grill, they simply close their windows during the time.
Small additional tip:
If a neighbor gets in the way, simply invite them to your barbecue party. Because whois eaten for free, it certainly won't cause trouble.