Home Forum Extra
Seattle Times business reporter Elizabeth Rhodes posts the answers to your real estate questions as they pop up during the week. Join this ongoing discussion, which also features reader reaction to real-estate articles appearing throughout The Times.
Home Forum, Seattle Times, P.O. Box 1845, Seattle, WA 98111
* Sorry, no personal replies.
SubscribeAugust 25, 2008 11:04 AM
Barbeque smoke as an issue
Posted by Elizabeth Rhodes
Q: I recently received a fine "warning" from my condo management company. It was because a neighbor complained about the smoke coming from a charcoal barbecue on my patio. However in the HOA House Rules, is states "Barbecues on balconies and patios are allowed under these conditions: Charcoal barbecues must have an enclosed ash catcher. Gas barbecues must have a shelf underneath to catch drippings or the homeowner is required to use a metal drip pan to protect deck surface from any damage." Since I do have an ash catcher, I am not breaking any rules. Do they really have any right to fine or send me a warning letter since I am not violating the House Rules?
A: If I were in your situation, I'd contact the management company, remind them of your house rules and and ask them for a clarification. It's possible that, odd as it may sound, the company isn't aware of your rule.
If you're not happy with the answer, take it up with your condo board.
You might also have a cordial chat with your neighbor.
Sometimes a friendly face-to-face can difuse a situation, saving you future grief.
Digg
Newsvine
UPDATE - 12:32 PM
Recently listed
Popular searches
Oct 23, 08 - 08:00 AM
Homeowner lacks big down payment
Oct 22, 08 - 08:00 AM
Mold, broken dishwasher vex tenant
Oct 16, 08 - 08:00 AM
Who pays homeowners association special assessment?
Oct 15, 08 - 08:00 AM
Predicting the mortgage crisis
Oct 10, 08 - 04:00 PM
Wandering tree roots disturb sidewalk, threaten sewer line
general classifieds
Garage & estate salesFurniture & home furnishings
Electronics
just listed
AKC Cavalier King Charles Spaniel-Sheeba Li...
AKC Irish Setter Puppy
Black Labrador Retriever Puppies
More listings
POST A FREE LISTING
- SPU surprises neighbors with sale of Queen Anne rec property
- Beer-drinking bridge builders will get training from a counselor
- Boy's pat on president's head captured for history
- Matt Flynn has good day in Seahawks' 3-way QB competition
- Police arrest New Jersey man who confessed to killing Etan Patz
- Why dealing for Kellen Winslow makes sense for Seahawks | Steve Kelley
- Amazon addresses criticism at meeting
- Madrona dad killed by stray bullet as he drove through Central Area
- Driver fatally shot in Central Area
- Man arrested in disappearance of NYC boy Etan Patz
- Opponents of gay-marriage law say they have enough signatures
407 - Mariners try to extend some other team's misery for a change 337
- Quit drinking beer on job, Highway 520 builders told 325
- SPU surprises neighbors with sale of Queen Anne rec property 255
- Protesters rally outside Amazon annual meeting 178
- Komen controversy hurting Race for the Cure 173
- Sources: DOJ sends letters to city blasting police reform efforts 128
- Mariners avoid making Chone Figgins call, but can't keep doing nothing with him 126
- Madrona dad killed by stray bullet as he drove through Central Area 85
- Driver caught in crossfire, fatally shot in Central Area 83
- Dig into colorful history at Oregon's John Day Fossil Beds
- Get a sitter — please — for these 10 great date-night restaurants | All You Can Eat
- SPU surprises neighbors with sale of Queen Anne rec property
- Madrona dad killed by stray bullet as he drove through Central Area
- Beer-drinking bridge builders will get training from a counselor
- Zumiez rebounds from recession better than most
- Boy's pat on president's head captured for history
- Driver fatally shot in Central Area
- Gates Foundation grants give local groups a boost
- Downtown building fetches $55M, thanks to Amazon effect
February
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |