Warm weather means longer days, outdoor fun, and the opportunity to spend time with friends and family grilling. But if you’re thinking of hosting a barbecue at your apartment complex, there are a slew of rules you’ll need to keep in mind. Can you barbecue from your balcony? Are electric grills allowed in apartments? How do you navigate a shared grill? The answers may vary depending on the exact state, local, and building codes in your area, but there are some general apartment grill rules every renter should keep in mind.
You’ll want to keep some unwritten rules in mind before throwing those burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Many apartment grill rules fall into this category — not really laws, but still things you’ll want to observe to stay on your neighbors’ good side. So, here are some unwritten apartment grill rules to govern your barbecue time. 1. Don’t Hog the Barbecue If your complex’s apartment grill policy includes a signup schedule or states rules on time, follow those. If not, you still shouldn’t monopolize the grill. Finish up quickly, grilling what you need for your next meal (not the next week!), and move on. If you see people waiting, offer to let them share space if possible. 2. Don’t Make the Grill Your Party Space First of all, partying around the grill isn’t safe. Second, it’s not considerate. If you invite friends over for a barbecue, have fun and eat in the designated area or in your unit, not while blocking a shared grill. Even if it’s your own grill, you should separate grilling and partying. 3. Do Watch Out for Smoke …and not the kind of smoke that means you’re about to set the neighborhood on fire (more on that in a bit). Sometimes, you just need to turn down the heat or scrape the grate to cut down on smoke. Other times, the wind wafts smoke into neighbors’ open windows. Watch out for this happening so you can adjust as necessary. Pro-tip: If you’re grilling something that falls apart, use foil instead of putting the food directly on the cooking plates. 4. Do Clean Up After Yourself Start cleaning as soon as you finish cooking so the next person can start grilling as soon as possible. You’ll want to use a tin foil ball or barbecue brush to scrape cooking grates, then take paper towels and approved spray cleaner to the whole area — think counter space, grill knobs, and the outside of the grill. If raw meat touched it, you definitely need to clean it. Put everything back in its designated place, and make absolutely certain the grill and gas are off.
That last point warrants an extra warning. Sure, beers and barbecues go together, but save the drinks for mealtime after you cook. Drinking while grilling can impact your ability to concentrate, and you’re more likely to knock something into the grill if you drink simultaneously.
You’ll also want to look into real apartment BBQ laws in your area before firing up the grill. You’ll find guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), but states and cities also have their own fire prevention guidelines. Individual buildings and property management companies may have their own rules as well.
Laws and rules vary a lot depending on where you are, so look at city and state regulations where you live as a first step. Then, check the guidelines your landlord or apartment complex sets.
Some places allow only certain grill sizes or grill types. If you’re allowed to use your own grill, measure the patio or balcony to make sure you have enough room to move around. You should also make sure you have enough clearance from branches, flammable railings, and apartment walls.
Some more safety tips include:
You’ll also want to have some specific tools on hand to enhance safety, including:
If you’re using a shared apartment complex grill, you’ll want to keep a few additional pointers in mind.
Outdoor barbecues can offer a great way to spend time with loved ones while treating the group to a great meal. Keep these apartment grill rules in mind so you can safely enjoy the fun of grilling.
Zumper's team of rental experts provides you with the latest rental tips, trends, and local laws to help you find great apartments and homes across the country.
