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Grilling on my Balcony

Last activity 19 August 2021 by beppi

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Guest7839

I just moved to Singapore and into my new flat, so I'm not completely clear on what I can / cannot get away with here and certainly don't want to be deported over stupid stuff.

I got permission from my landlord to have a BBQ on my balcony. I live on the top floor of my condo, and I've grilled a whole ONE time since moving in 3 weeks ago. Already, a neighbor has complained to the management company that the grill smoke and smell bothered them, and the management company posted a notice by the elevator citing the date and time (basically coincides with when I grilled), and that grills are NOT allowed on the balcony.

Firstly - who has precedence here? The landlord or the building management re: having the grill in the first place?

Secondly - is there a reason people are so uptight? I can literally smell people's cooking every single day, yet one day of a BBQ bothers them?

My options:

1. Ignore the notice until someone contacts me directly

2. Write a passive aggressive note back to the management company, stating I have my landlords permission

3. Sell the grill

4. Try to hide the grill on my upstairs patio, which is much more private and less likely to bother anyone

Thoughts? Again, not looking to get deported or in trouble over a grill - but a bit irritated that THIS is a problem for people.

Guest7839

There should be a condo ‘rule book’ which may help you .. we had one provided by our landlord when we moved in
Essentially the ‘rules’ are set be the owners who sit as the management committee which are then enforced by the management company
If it’s not in there, I’d go back to your landlord who, as an owner, can say you’ve had permission
Even if it’s allowed, you may find your neighbors keeps complaining and your management company may keep telling you not to but they can’t enforce it
I’d also suggest you speak to the neighbor to find out why it’s so disturbing to them? It might be the position of the grill so simply moving it might make things easier

Guest7839

madgeroo - thanks so much, that's really helpful to know and I'll ask my landlord. While I may never know who the actual complainer is, if its an easy fix I'm more than happy to adjust the position of the grill so it doesn't bother anyone. Just trying to have some grilled veg from time to time!

Guest7839

No problem.  We’ve not had any problems but a few of our neighbors in different levels in our condo have, usually noise related (kids running, moving furniture)
You’ll find the management company will tend to be on side with the complainer as it’s easier!

PrincessF

I super agree with this! They usually complain about noise and smell related stuff so just be extra cautious on those. And once they do, you will most likely not be able to do any of what has been complained already.

beppi

You won’t be deported for trivial matters like this!
I’d just talk to the landlord that he allowed you to bbq and what to do about the complaints.
Option 2 is a No-No and socially unacceptable in Singapore.

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