Disgruntled neighbors


 
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Drew G.

New member
My wife and I just moved from an apartment to a condo. We are on the first floor of a 3 story unit. The other night I was using my electric charcoal starter when I heard a voice above me. I looked to see my new neighbor above me for the first time. "Do you have a fire going on down there? Smoke is coming in my windows." I said that it was just my grill and they grumbled as they went back inside. So, I went up to say hi and see what kind of situation we could work out so I can use my grill and smoker without getting them upset. All their lights were on, we could hear them walking aroun up there yet they wouldn't answer the door. They wouldn't even talk to me! We are renting this condo from the owner, we just moved in, and we want to BBQ. But, I don't want to get into trouble with the HOA or anything. What should I do? I'm pretty bummed because my apartment didn't allow any charcoal and this place does but it seems to irritate my neighbors. Ugh...

Drew
 
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dave/G: You could make them an offer they can't refuse. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I had a conundrum much like this about 20-25 years ago...
I invited them down for a cold beer or two and grilled baby backs and they never left.
Well, old friends are made "somewhere".
We still see our old neighbors at least three times a year. And we're not neighbors anymore.
 
If it is legal and not against the condo association's rules, I'd say your neighbors have no choice. On the other hand, I know you don't want to be next to angry neighbors, so maybe offer them some smoked/grilled food to get on their good side. I retract my deleted suggestion that you make them an offer they can't refuse. Good luck.
 
Offer them some of your finished product. You might also let them know before you are going to fire up your grill beforehand so they can close the windows. Some people you just can't please. I have a next door neighbor that falls in that category. We just ignore them and they ignore us. Works out good.
 
...or Drew, move next door to John
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Maybe try using a fan, or moving your grill out away from the building.
Most of your smoke is at start-up, and depending on your choice of charcoal it could have a offensive smell to your neighbors.

Tim
 
I wonder if he'd still complain if I used lump or Kingsford Competition. It was the Kingsford regular stuff. Who knows.
 
Drew,
The K is very strong smelling on start-up.
I really don't think anyone would want that coming thru an open window into they're place..

Tim
 
If they're not going to talk to you, I don't see what you can do. If I were in your position, I would continue to keep smoking whenever I pleased, regardless of what your neighbors might say. Since your new place allows you to use charcoal, I'm assuming that's at least part of the reason you moved there (it would be for me at least). If that's the case, don't let your neighbor ruin it for you, as you are well within your rights to continue smoking.
 
Sounds like what you're doin is acceptable to the HOA ....so you don't have a problem..
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You also give off a polite and considerate, within reason, vibe....that'll usually win most over eventually.
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IMHO don't get too apologetic about it either...that's you infringing on your own rights ..press on; firm but fair
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I could have moved into a condo but the rules were way to stifling. I live in an apartment complex and have a one level (first floor) 3 bedroom with a small patio. I grill and Q all year long and my neighbors are cool with it.
 
Pretty much every time I BBQ, I cook a little extra so I can pay my neighbor's their Smoke Tax. I live in a house, but we are all packed pretty close together. I like getting another opinion on how my experiments turn out too.
 
I plan on building a wood fired brick pizza oven this coming spring and plan on offering free pizzas to my neighbors in lieu of The Smoke Tax.
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Drew,

Here is what you do. Have the biggest barbecue party possible at your place. With the most food & beer, and every friend and relative that you can get there.

Be sure to meticulously follow the condo rules and all laws.

Do not invite Mr. & Mrs. Personalty.

Payback, baby.

Jim
 
Dig a hog pit right off of your patio. They'll probably move out before dawn. I'll move in and we'll cook 24x7. Problem solved
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Seriously, though, extend the olive branch sometime soon when you aren't cooking - if you can't bribe them with the promise of some great Q (even vegetables), ignore them. Some people just aren't built to live with neighbors.
 
Heck, my wife complains in the summer when I'm starting a cook and I don't close up the windows in the house... So i can understand the neighbours point.

Obviously extend the olive branch, but also everyone needs to be considerate of their neighbours. I find some of the worst "smoke" is generated when you are initially lighting in the chimney. If you are using regular K, it certainly is strong. Try moving your starter to an area further from the complex and be mindful of the wind.

If you can't adjust, the least you can do is give them a heads up when you plan on cooking so they can at least close up.
 
Drew, you didn't say when your neighbors looked over the rail at you if they were people you felt like you wanted to extend a friendship to or not. We don't want to offend or slight anyone including ourselves and sometimes have to guage our reactions to their actions. Hopefully they will see that it wasn't your intent to harm the quiet enjoyment of their home, but creating a little "Q" shouldn't be classified as starting a war. They just might be this way with lots of issues that don't involve you at all, so you needn't take it personally. BBQ on. Bob B
 
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