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Barbecues next door: smoke, safe placement and agreements
A neighbour’s barbecue can send smoke into your home. How can you discuss the location and timing while keeping the conversation calm?
Start with the place and time the smoke enters the room. Often you can look together at another place, another time or an alternative. Please take into account fire safety and the building rules.
This guide applies to England.
What happens and what do you notice?
Describe when smoke enters your home and what it affects, such as drying laundry, opening a window or using a balcony. Separate an occasional outdoor smell from repeated substantial disturbance.
The person cooking may not realise where the smoke goes. Give a specific example without assuming intent. If you are unsure of the source, ask before attributing it to them.
Why does the smoke end up with you?
The position relative to windows, doors and balconies can make a big difference. The wind direction and the layout of a small courtyard also play a role. Before lighting, see together if another safe place is possible, without moving the smoke to another neighbour.
Discuss whether the nuisance is mainly caused during the lighting or throughout the evening. A different use may require a different solution. If a fire pit continues to burn after eating, mention it as a separate point; an agreement about the barbecue will not solve it automatically.
How can you start the conversation?
Request a specific adjustment
Explain the effect on your home and ask to review the location before the next barbecue. One clear request is easier to act on than a general complaint.
A calm opening
“Last Sunday, smoke from the barbecue came through our living-room window, and we had to close it for the evening. Before next time, could we look at another safe location or a different way to cook?”
Also agree on how you will give feedback
Decide how you can briefly let them know that the smoke is coming in the next time. Do not make an agreement to move a burning barbecue: choose the place in advance and use a safe alternative solution if problems arise.
What modifications can reduce the nuisance?
Choosing a safe place
Use a permitted outdoor spot on level ground, away from fences, sheds and other flammable materials. Follow fire-service and manufacturer guidance. London Fire Brigade advises against barbecues on balconies. Never use one indoors or in an enclosed space, and let it cool fully before moving it.
Discuss an alternative
If there is no suitable outdoor spot, discuss cooking indoors with proper kitchen equipment or using another permitted barbecue area. An outdoor electric appliance still needs approval and safe use, and may still produce smells.
Maintenance and careful use
Follow the appliance instructions for lighting, cleaning and fuel. Never use petrol or methylated spirits to start a barbecue. Safe operation and an agreement to reduce smoke are both needed.
Agree on time and duration
A pre-agreed period or timely notice can help practically. That doesn’t mean the neighbour has to close windows all night to solve the problem. Evaluate together if the chosen change actually reduces smoke.
Which rules apply in England?
Check tenancy, lease and site rules, as well as fire-service advice. Do not use a balcony as an assumed alternative barbecue location. Repeated serious smoke can be raised with the council.
What if agreements don’t help?
If smoke keeps entering your home, record the dates and effects and ask the landlord or council about an appropriate response. Discuss alternatives before the next use, rather than moving a lit barbecue.
Sources and review date
Guide reviewed on 7 November 2026.
GOV.UK — Complain to the council about nuisance
Fire-safety guidance
London Fire Brigade — Barbecue safety and GOV.UK — Fire safety outdoors.
Keep the next step manageable
Use the free incident diary for a few representative observations, any agreement and improvements. If you need outside help, see Who can help. State what happened, what you have tried and what you are asking the recipient to do. You do not have to keep approaching the neighbour if contact feels unsafe.
Would you like to write to your neighbours?
On the situation page you can see the CalmNotes bundle, its contents and the other support options.