Summer in Calgary calls out for an outdoor BBQ. Spending time outdoors during the summer is a cherished time for Calgarians, and the smell of a sizzling BBQ is common during the warmer months. If you allow cooking outdoors in your rental, or if it includes an outdoor grill station as one of the amenities, you need to take a few things into consideration, like safety, property maintenance, and local regulations.
In this blog, we’ll break down the ins and outs of outdoor BBQs in Calgary rentals, along with tips to help you create an enjoyable space for your tenants to grill all summer long safely while preserving your property’s integrity.
How to Have an Outdoor BBQ-Friendly Rental Property
Outline Your Rules In the Lease
To avoid future misunderstandings and conflicts, you must include a section of outdoor BBQ-related guidelines in your lease. These are our recommendations:
- Types of BBQs Allowed: Specify if you allow propane, natural gas, or electric grills. If you’re not sure of what kind of grill you should allow, we recommend natural gas and electric grills, as they’re generally considered fire-safe if they’re operated and maintained correctly. As for propane gas grills, they must be used in an open and well-ventilated area, such as a designated space in the backyard away from outside structures like trees, and never in enclosed spaces like garages.
In case of charcoal grills, they typically can’t be used in multi-unit properties like condos due to fire risk and the high amounts of smoke they produce, which can be bothersome to next-door neighbours. Within the smoke is also carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that can be health-threatening, especially in enclosed areas.
- Usage Hours: Establishing a reasonable timeframe for outdoor cooking is a wise idea that can spare you from noise and smoke complaints from other neighbours.
- Maintenance: Even if this may seem like common sense, we recommend outlining the basic maintenance rules after an outdoor BBQ, like cleaning after use and keeping the grill area’s surroundings tidy.
- Safety First: Provide a fire extinguisher (Class B for flammable liquids like grease and oil) and request your tenants to keep a bucket of sand nearby as backup while they’re grilling to prevent minor flare-ups from turning into a major fire.
Cooking In Fire Pits
Your tenants may have the skill and preference for cooking in a fire pit. However, it will depend on whether you’re comfortable with allowing it. Specify in your lease if you allow fire pits in the property or not, and in case you do, outline some guidelines on safety. These are the City of Calgary regulations that you can use as a reference:
- Fire pits must be placed at least two metres away from the property and other structures like trees or fences.
- Fire pits can’t exceed more than 1 metre wide and flames under 1 metre high.
- The tenants must build the fire pit into the ground, on a fire-resistant surface, or in a non-combustible container.
- The fuels allowed are dry firewood, propane, or natural gas. Other sources of fuel, such as yard waste, painted or treated wood, garbage, or leaves, are prohibited.
- Your tenants must commit to controlling the smoke and odor, and to checking if there’s a fire ban in place.
BBQ In Apartments and Condos
Outdoor cooking in an apartment or condo unit requires a different approach than a home with a backyard. Tenants and owners have to deal with space constraints and comply with rules that vary according to the building management’s discretion. However, with the proper setup, it’s possible to help your tenants enjoy grilling safely. Here’s how:
- Know the Building Rules First: Before anything else, check the condo board or the building management bylaws. As we mentioned above, how your tenants can cook outdoors will depend on it. Some buildings restrict or ban BBQs on balconies for safety reasons, especially if propane or charcoal is involved, while others may allow electric grills only, or permit natural gas use too.
- Safe Grill Types: The vast majority of buildings allow electric grills. They’re compact, produce little to no smoke and are easier to clean. Another good option to consider is infrared grills, as their design minimizes the risk of flare-ups, but again, it will depend on your specific condo rules.
- Condo Grilling Etiquette: In addition to the basic safety and usage rules you’ll add in the lease, your tenants should let their neighbours know if they’re having a barbecue, especially if they are grilling for several people. Grilling in tight spaces means the neighbours are close, and being more smoke and odor-conscious will ensure a respectful coexistence and fewer complaints going your way.
A Fun and Safe BBQ Season For Everyone
For Calgarians, the summer isn’t complete without outdoor BBQs. Whether you’re a landlord setting up an outdoor grilling area or allowing your tenants to use their own grills, planning ahead and having a safety-centric approach can help prevent issues and create a more enjoyable summer experience for your tenants.
