Grilling is always a highlight: But what do you do if you don't have your own garden for a big barbecue? From April to September, grills are blazing in many places – which raises the question of whether it's allowed to grill on the balcony . Do you have a balcony but don't want to upset your neighbors with your barbecue? We'll tell you what to keep in mind to ensure the fun factor isn't neglected and that arguments with your neighbors don't start in the first place!
Is it allowed to grill on the balcony?
Many people have asked this question before you. The German Tenants' Association (DTB) does n't have any specific regulations regarding whether a barbecue is permitted on a rented balcony. Generally, barbecuing is considered a "socially acceptable activity" and must therefore be tolerated. In most cases, you are allowed to light a barbecue on the balcony and terrace of your rented apartment. Always check your rental agreement or house rules beforehand.
So there's neither a complete ban nor a right to barbecue. Sometimes, for example, you're simply not allowed to use a charcoal grill because of the excessive smoke. Even in the garden or on the patio, you're often not safe from these regulations. If you barbecue despite the ban? You risk a warning from your landlord, and in the long run, you could even face eviction.
How often and for how long should you grill?
There are no uniform regulations regarding barbecue time limits : Courts make different rulings on this matter. The Oldenburg Higher Regional Court (13 U 53/02) ruled that no odors or noises from neighbors are to be tolerated after 10 p.m. Barbecues may be extended until midnight exactly four times a year. The Berlin-Schöneberg District Court (3 C 14/07) takes a different stance, allowing barbecues until 9 p.m. for two hours 20 to 25 times a year. All of these decisions are based on individual cases, which demonstrates how complex the whole issue is.
What about grilling in the garden?
The Munich Regional Court (15 S 22735/03) ruled that it is permissible to hold a summer barbecue in the garden as long as the neighbors are not disturbed. Here, too, the regional courts decide on a case-by-case basis.
What is the legal situation?
As a property owner, it's your right to do as you please. However, consideration for your neighbors remains an important factor that you shouldn't ignore. Consideration is the foundation of healthy neighborly relations. The German Civil Code and the Neighborhood Act contain state regulations regarding grilling. However, you won't find a general fundamental right to grill here.
In the specific case of balcony barbecues , Section 906 Paragraph 1 of the German Civil Code (BGB) applies, which stipulates which impacts from a neighboring property are to be tolerated and which are not. However, as is so often the case, theory differs from practice: Unfortunately, neighbor disputes arise again and again. Court rulings often favor barbecue enthusiasts, since firing up the grill in the summer is a common activity.
When is barbecuing on the balcony not allowed?
If your rental agreement or house rules specifically state otherwise, grilling on balconies is prohibited. So read the contract carefully before signing it and then being unhappy with the terms. According to a ruling by the Essen Regional Court (10 S 438/01), the landlord is free to include this clause in their contract. This means you have to accept it if your landlord requests that the grill be left cold.
This is what you should pay attention to when grilling!
Mutual consideration is respectful of your neighbors. To avoid annoying smoke invading your neighbor's home, switch to a gas or electric grill. SKOTTI – the world's first plug-in gas grill – is good for good neighbors. This will save them from annoying clouds of smoke and make their mouths water with the delicious grilled aroma.
Disturbing neighbors with smoke or an unpleasant odor is considered an administrative offense under the Immission Control Act. North Rhine-Westphalia and Brandenburg are the only federal states to have established legal regulations regarding barbecues. Smoke must not enter neighbors' bedrooms or living rooms; otherwise, you face a fine .
First of all: For us, it's barbecue season year-round! That's why it's important to take a few precautions to ensure that sizzling sausages are a real hit even in the colder months. With winter gas, you'll be perfectly prepared for cold days.
Talk to your neighbors!
To avoid falling into this trap, it's worth ringing your neighbors' doorbells to warn them. Or invite them over for a barbecue at your place! If you don't find anyone there, post a note in the stairwell. Your neighbors will automatically treat you with more respect.
Generally speaking, after 10 p.m., you should turn down the volume and turn off the grill, as many people sleep with the window open. Surely you can do without smoke in the bedroom, right? If you're planning to invite several people over, postpone the event until the weekend if possible. That way, no one has to get up early the next day, and peace and quiet won't be soaring in the house.
If your living situation doesn't allow you to grill at home, look for barbecue areas near you or move the event to a friend's house with their own garden.
Which grill can I use?
As long as your rental agreement or house rules don't specify otherwise, you can use any grill of your choice . If your landlord only prohibits you from using a charcoal grill, switch to a gas or electric grill. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of grills for balcony use.
charcoal grill
Every second person has a charcoal grill at home. That's why many use it as their first choice when friends come over for a beer and a bratwurst. But on the balcony, a grill can quickly annoy the neighbors – the advantages and disadvantages of a grill include:
| Pros | Cons |
| + smoke flavor | - Large clouds of smoke / smoke development – Hot fat dripping onto coal |
| + Charcoal & briquettes are available in every supermarket! | - Getting the desired temperature takes |
| - Poorly regulated heat | |
| - Embers can be blown away | |
| - Ash must cool down and be disposed of |
Gas grill
A gas grill is considered a practical alternative to charcoal grills. You and your neighbors are spared smoke and soot, and the temperature can be quickly adjusted in just a few steps. The pros and cons of this grill are:
| Pros | Cons |
| + No soot & smoke | - Setup & connection of time-consuming |
| + easy temperature adjustment | - Gas cylinder needs safe storage |
| + Heat reached quickly | - Smoke flavor |
| + Easy cleaning |
While some models require more time to set up and connect than other grills, the SKOTTI is a great alternative! Its quick assembly lets you start your barbecue evening stress-free. Its space-saving dimensions allow you to store it in even the smallest apartment or corner of your balcony. This all-rounder also lets you create a smoky flavor in no time at all using the smoking tray and wood chips .
Electric grill
The electric grill offers balcony owners the opportunity to quickly and easily grill corn on the cob and other foods. Set the desired temperature, and the grill is ready in no time. A major advantage: even when it's stormy and snowing, you can simply continue cooking indoors. It also offers the following advantages and disadvantages:
| Pros | Cons |
|
+ clean & fast |
- You need a high-performance device |
| + easy to use | - dependent on electricity |
| + easy temperature adjustment & accessibility | - Smoke aroma missing |
| + no smoke or soot | |
| + Grilling indoors possible | |
| + easy cleaning |
Grilling on the balcony: Is it dangerous?
One thing is clear: grilling with charcoal on a balcony exposes you to more dangers than grilling outdoors. If you're not careful, decorations or loose items can quickly catch fire. That's why we recommend gas and electric grills. Follow these four golden rules and you'll be on the safe side:
- Make sure the grill is stable and avoid unstable locations.
- Don't use disposable grills – sparks will fly like crazy because the charcoal is covered with chemically treated paper.
- Be prepared: Accidents can always happen. Always keep a fire extinguisher, potting soil, or a watering can handy. If grease is burning, smother it! Water won't help.
- Pat marinated meat dry beforehand so that no oil drips into the embers.
- Clean your grill after use so that it smokes less next time.
- Make sure there is good air circulation when grilling.
Plan B: Barbecue in the park!
Is grilling prohibited on your balcony? No time to mope around. Find public spaces or parks that offer barbecue areas . Meet up with your friends there and be sure to follow the local guidelines and safety measures to reduce the risk of fire. To save you carrying so much and eliminate the risk of fire, our SKOTTI is your trusty companion in any park. Give it a try!
