Outdoor Grilling Tips for Renters
With the weather as great as it has been in Durango, few of us want to be stuck indoors cooking. Cooking inside can make being indoors uncomfortable due to the heat too. So, why not take your cooking outdoors? With a few safety tips it can be easy to grill it up outside.
Tip 1: Check Your Lease
While you may enjoy grilling outside, your landlord may not appreciate the increased risk in damage to the property. As such, you will want to check your lease to make sure that it does not forbid such cooking activities on the property. In the case your lease does not stipulate whether or not grilling is allowed on the property, it never hurts to ask.
Keep in mind that in some instances, it may not be up to your landlord whether or not grills are allowed. It can be dictated by a fire code for your city, county, or state municipality. Do not use outdoor grills inside, as this can be deadly.
Tip 2: Grill Safety with Pets and Children
It may seem like common sense, but each year children and pets are injured due to poor safety when using outdoor grills. Take the time to be aware of where the grill is located and do not leave it unattended. To keep both children and pets safe, you can keep them inside while the grill is in use.
![](http://rentdurango.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/pexels-photo-280076-1024x535.jpeg)
Tip 3: Structure Safety
Think about where you would want to place your grill. Now, look up. Are there any low hanging branches? How far from the exterior wall would the grill be located? Is there a deck railing nearby? You should keep all of these things in mind when it comes to grill safety. A good safety strategy for fire safety is to keep your grill 10-15 feet away from any structure or tree branch.
![](http://rentdurango.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/bbq-1-1024x678.jpeg)
Tip 4: Type of Grill
There are so many different sizes and shapes of grills today, but most use either one or two sources of fuel. Gas grills are great because they heat up very quickly and they are easy to clean up afterwards. However, they can be more expensive and some apartment complexes do not allow this type of grill.
Charcoal grills are a great alternative if you are looking for a more budget friendly version that you can bring with you much easier than a gas grill. However, this type requires a longer cook time due to the slower heat up time and charcoal can be expensive if you grill often.
One additional form of grilling is electric. This method is not as popular as the previously mentioned gas or charcoal for outdoor grilling. However, it is among one of the safest and most accepted grill options for rental properties. These grills are often inexpensive and easy to clean.
Tip 5: Communal Grills
If you live in a larger apartment complex, there is a likelihood that there will be at least one communal grill. You may not have seen anyone use them, but they are there. You can also find them in the park. If you are using a communal grill, you will want to clean it thoroughly before placing your food onto the grilling surface.
Using your own grill brush, scrape the debris off of the grill. You can also use a balled up piece of aluminum foil to get the job done. Some even recommend rubbing a halved onion on the grill to clean while also adding flavor. Just make sure that you clean up after grilling and ensure that the area is safe for the next resident to enjoy.
Conclusion
As you can see, it can be such a great seasonal treat to bring the cooking outdoors. We have gorgeous weather, so why not go outside and enjoy it! Add some food and is sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. If you are looking for a place where you can grill it up, let the professionals over at The Property Manager know. There may be your ideal outdoor cooking space waiting just for you!
References
Best barbequing tips for summertime at Heatherwood
Grilling safety tips for tenants: Know the rules of the grill
How to clean a dirty grill with an onion and more barbecue hacks
Landlord’s guide to gas grill regulations
Landlord’s guide to gas grill regulations
Take it outside: Guide to grilling on your apartment balcony