As temperatures rise, the smell of sizzling sausages and vegetable skewers wafts through the streets.

This makes many people want to have their own barbecue party together with friends or family.

But not every neighbor shares the joys of the others, so some are annoyed about the smoke that the grill causes.

And complaints often follow.

Passionate grill masters need to know: there is no nationwide law for grilling.

But many people have taken their arguments to court.

From all these individual cases it can be deduced what needs to be considered.

Sarah Huemer

Editor in the "Value" department of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sunday newspaper.

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In principle, of course, everyone can do whatever they want on their terrace or balcony.

But the pitfalls are in the details.

If you live for rent, you could find a clause in your contract that prohibits barbecuing.

If the tenant disregards this, the landlord can even terminate the lease without notice.

However, the owner may not subsequently introduce such a ban.

A case at the Munich I Regional Court shows that the homeowners' association can also have a say in the barbecue.

The court decided that the assembly may do the same.

Such a ban can even apply to electric grills.

Dishes restrict grilling

Even if there is no general ban on barbecuing, neighbors don't have to tolerate everything.

Loud laughter late into the night, Queen or the Backstreet Boys at full volume: it has to be quiet by 10 p.m. at the latest.

Also, neighbors do not have to endure smoke and noise every day.

Opinions differ on how often you can grill.

In one case, the Higher Regional Court of Oldenburg decided that the neighbor was only allowed to have a barbecue in his garden four times a year.

In one case, the district court in Bonn ruled that the defendant was only allowed to barbecue once a month between April and September.

The judgments make it clear: If the neighbors regularly feel disturbed, it may well be that a court restricts barbecuing.

Should we maybe just go somewhere else?

In the park around the corner?

Or on a small beach on the Isar or on the Main?

Barbecues are only allowed in public places if there is a sign that explicitly says so, such as at some bathing lakes.

There are often very specific regulations, for example that a grill must be a certain height so that it does not burn the lawn.

In other public places, grilling is illegal and can result in a fine.

Then maybe it would be better to throw the steaks on the grill at home.

Barbecue fans shouldn't forget about safety.

"One should not underestimate how long ashes will still glow," says the Association of Homeowners.

Even three days later, it can still start a fire if you simply tip the ashes into the bushes.

It is better for barbecue fans to put the cooled ash in a garbage bag and throw it in the gray residual waste bin.

Anyone who owns a gas grill must also comply with the rules for correct storage: It is not permitted to store liquid gas bottles in the basement, bedroom, stairwell or in passageways.

The place should be well ventilated, preferably outside.

Then nothing should stand in the way of the next barbecue evening.