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Original poster

Barbecues on terraces. Yes or No

64 replies

PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 14:30

What are your thoughts on barbecues on terraces?

There are in total 25 apartments in the block. Each apartment has its own small outdoor terrace.

One of the residents often has a barbecue on theirs. Other residents complain about the smell and potential fire hazard.

The barbecuing resident cannot find anything in the lease that prohibits this.

The complaining neighbours cite common sense and consideration.

who is right?

OP posts:
Original poster
PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 20:09

Ok I’ll get off the fence.

I hate the bbq

it stinks

it’s a fire hazard

anyone who thinks it’s ok is a social menace

OP posts:
IsadoraQuagmire · 06/09/2026 18:46

No, it's dangerous and the stench from barbecues is disgusting.

Original poster
PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 18:38

Daisywhatsyouranswer · 06/09/2026 17:48

Op can you be a little clearer. Where in the building does this bbq resider live, is it the top floor, middle floor, bottom floor. Second of fourth floor?

Show quote history

It’s top floor, shared by 4 other flats on the same level.

the smoke does travel down. I am in a flat immediately below and I have to close my windows otherwise the smell permeates my flat.

OP posts:
Original poster
PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 18:36

EmeraldRoulette · 06/09/2026 17:45

I think what OP means is the flat all have balconies - but the ground floor call it a terrace because it’s not a balcony if it’s on the ground floor. And yes, with all the windows open, the smell of smoke would be awful because these flats are usually tiny.

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Yes. This.

OP posts:
Backedoffhackedoff · 06/09/2026 18:27

Yay from me and very common ime

ColdAsAWitches · 06/09/2026 18:25

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 06/09/2026 18:03

Do you mean balconies? Terraces are usually understood to be on the ground floor.

Could also be an open rooftop.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 06/09/2026 18:03

Do you mean balconies? Terraces are usually understood to be on the ground floor.

HunnidBands · 06/09/2026 18:01

A terrace really isn’t fine. Up until a few years ago we were allowed them - or at least nothing in the lease to say we couldn’t. Then letters were issued to all residents and my neighbour ignored theirs. Cut to massive fire when a charcoal barbecue was left unattended last year. It could have gotten really out of hand but thankfully someone saw it - the barbecue was unattended at night, ffs!

It’s definitely a health and safety issue. It takes just one fire.

OttersOnAPlane · 06/09/2026 17:50

A terrace would be fine. A balcony less so.

BillieWiper · 06/09/2026 17:49

I've got a terrace which is the same size as the room below. Above is only my own house.
You mean a balcony right? I guess you need to do it and see where the smoke goes and if anyone complains. Be prepared to stop doing it if it causes issues.

TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 06/09/2026 17:49

Consult your insurers.
Insurers will say HELL NO!
You will then, collectively, be obliged to add an amendment to the rules.
Argument over.

Daisywhatsyouranswer · 06/09/2026 17:48

PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 17:36

No that’s not so. The smoke travels all over.

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Op can you be a little clearer. Where in the building does this bbq resider live, is it the top floor, middle floor, bottom floor. Second of fourth floor?

EmeraldRoulette · 06/09/2026 17:45

Ohthatsabitshit · 06/09/2026 17:11

So basically a balcony with no one above? I can’t see what the issue is? Smoke goes up not down.

I think what OP means is the flat all have balconies - but the ground floor call it a terrace because it’s not a balcony if it’s on the ground floor. And yes, with all the windows open, the smell of smoke would be awful because these flats are usually tiny.

ifonlytheydlisten · 06/09/2026 17:43

Balcony fires are very dangerous. Fire can spread from one to the next and into other flats.
But whether permitted or not depends on if they are wood, if fire could spread easily, if the outer walls are combustible etc
May well not be covered on insurance

Original poster
PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 17:36

Ohthatsabitshit · 06/09/2026 17:11

So basically a balcony with no one above? I can’t see what the issue is? Smoke goes up not down.

No that’s not so. The smoke travels all over.

OP posts:
AirborneElephant · 06/09/2026 17:18

Ohthatsabitshit · 06/09/2026 17:11

So basically a balcony with no one above? I can’t see what the issue is? Smoke goes up not down.

This. I can see an issue with the ground floor very close to everyone’s windows, but not on the top floor. Haven’t voted but I’d say the BBQ people ANBU

Daisywhatsyouranswer · 06/09/2026 17:13

By terrace do you mean balcony? And they have a small bbq on it? I am struggling to see why that’s an issue?

Ohthatsabitshit · 06/09/2026 17:11

So basically a balcony with no one above? I can’t see what the issue is? Smoke goes up not down.

Itsthewoluff · 06/09/2026 17:11

Charcoal bbq no, gas bbq maybe, ninja electric bbq or equivalent, definitely ok.

Splinter in bum from fence.

Pavementdweller · 06/09/2026 17:07

PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 17:03

Fairly small. Around 3m x 1m

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I have a balcony that size. I’m top floor and only have neighbours below me - it crossed my mind a couple of times this summer whether I could get away with having a barbecue, but there would probably be a post on Mumsnet about it 😆

Original poster
PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 17:05

EmeraldRoulette · 06/09/2026 15:29

@PerhapsPerhapsMaybe are you the barbecuing resident?

No but I can’t decide who is BU.

OP posts:
Original poster
PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 17:04

Goldengirl123 · 06/09/2026 16:12

Terraces on the ground floor or balconies?

on the top floor

OP posts:
Original poster
PerhapsPerhapsMaybe · 06/09/2026 17:03

Pavementdweller · 06/09/2026 14:52

How big are the terraces?

Fairly small. Around 3m x 1m

OP posts:
Goldengirl123 · 06/09/2026 16:12

Terraces on the ground floor or balconies?

CostcoFanofThree · 06/09/2026 15:55

If it’s not in the lease agreement or prohibited by the fire department it should be fine.

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