Safely Enjoy Your Outdoor Barbeque
Grilling Safety Tips for Tenants
The weather is heating up and Memorial Day is right around the corner. It’s time to gather around the grill! When you’re renting, you need to pay special attention to grill safety and to the rules about grilling in your lease agreement to ensure that good times will be had by all. Here are a few grilling safety tips for tenants to help you enjoy your summer holidays.
Make Sure Grilling is Allowed at Your Rental
If you’re not sure whether your landlord allows grilling, the first place to check is your signed lease agreement. If you can’t find anything about grilling in your lease, it’s always better to ask your landlord than to assume it’s okay, especially if you’re renting a unit that is part of a larger building. Some HOA’s and condo associations have strict rules about grilling, and it may be prohibited for you to grill in certain areas, such as common areas or your balcony. Be sure of the rules first and get confirmation of what is and is not allowed. Receiving a hefty fine from your building’s association can really spoil your good times.
Don’t Use Outdoor Grills Indoors
Propane and charcoal grills should never be used inside the home, and should always be placed outside. Place your grill a good distance away from the home to avoid smoke damage and reduce the risk of a house fire. Also avoid placing your grill too close to any deck railings, eaves, and hanging tree branches. A good rule of thumb is to keep your grill at least 10-15 feet away from any building or car, and be mindful of wind-blown sparks.
Keep Children and Pet Away from the Grill Area
Make sure that children and pets are kept safe from the fire. Accidents can occur that can cause permanent injury or even death. Make sure that all your grilling implements such as metal grill spatulas, tongs, starter fluid and charcoal are kept out of small hands. Good supervision for children and pets ensures that the whole family will have fun.
Make Sure You Understand How to Use Your Grill
If you’re new to grilling, read the manual that came with your grill and make sure it is assembled correctly. Keep your grill clean and free of excess grease. Grease buildup can cause a fire. If you are using a propane grill, running the grill on high for about 5 minutes after grilling can reduce grease. So will a good scrub with a grill brush and soap.
Propane Grilling Safety Tips for Tenants
If you’re using a propane grill, you can check for propane leaks by applying some dish soap and water to the hose. Turn the propane tank on and looking for bubbles around the hose – if there are bubbles, you have a propane leak. Turn off the propane tank and check the connections. Watch this short video to see how it’s done: https://youtu.be/mpDhUssEgP0
If your propane grill has not been used lately, open the lid for a while before lighting the grill. This allows any gas that may have built up inside to escape.
If you ever smell gas while grilling, turn the grill off right away! Smelling gas is a sure sign of a propane leak. You may need to have your grill serviced by a professional to get everything sealed safely.
Charcoal Grilling Safety Tips for Tenants
If you’re using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluid that is meant for charcoal grills, and never add it directly to the fire. When you’re done grilling, let the coals cool completely and dispose of them in a metal container. Don’t ever try to move hot coals or a hot grill, and definitely never take them indoors.
Above All Else: NEVER Leave Your Grill Unattended and Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy in Case of Accidents
Following these grilling safety tips for tenants will ensure that you have a great time outdoors at your rental this summer. And if you’re looking for a Chicago area rental with a little outdoor space this summer, check out our current listings! Real Property Management Chicago Group is a professional Chicago property management company that manages many single family homes, condos, apartments and duplexes in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. If you’d like to learn more about what a professional Chicago property management company can do for you and your property, contact us today!
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