I live in a house with four other apartments. We all hang out every once in awhile. I recently bought a new grill because I love to BBQ. My neighbors are now coming down everyday asking to use it or sometimes I come home grab the veggie burgers and head outside only to find someone using the grill. How to I tell people not to use it. I don't feel like I can be rude, but at the same time it's my grill.
2007-06-19 10:29:40 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Can you put a locking mechanism on it. That'd get the point across real fast.
If not...is it a gas grill? Go around asking the apartments for money to replace the gas, add a cleaning fee to it, and labor costs too. Or maybe just go to them individually asking them to not use your grill. If that doesn't work...see about getting a lock.
2007-06-19 10:39:58 · answer #1 · answered by Trimere 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You should have stopped this the first time it happened. If I were you I would talk to the other three tenants (grill intruder included) about purchasing a "community grill" so that everyone can use it. Set up a written agreement that whichever party last used the grill must clean it afterward. That way you can use your own grill, and there would still be a grill others could use, yours would be only yours, and there would be not problem.
Sometimes it is necessary to be "rude" because no matter how hard you try to be firm yet nice, some people refuse to "get it"
2007-06-23 05:07:35 · answer #2 · answered by 1sflady 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can imagine just how awkward you feel about telling these people not to use your grill. No one likes to be the bad guy, or look like the inconsiderate neighbor, but the key here is that this is your grill.
Approches to take:
1\. Direct approach. Tell everyone that your grill is off limits & "mean" it. Sorry.
2\. If the grill is mobile enough for you to bring indoors, or to your patio, then do so.
3\. If it's a gas grill, bring the propane tank indoors and store it in a garage or basement until you need it.
Good Luck!
2007-06-19 11:36:02 · answer #3 · answered by Red 4 Green 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're neighbors are total hotties that you might have a chance with, then let it go... but if they aren't, then they are making you look like a chump. Next time you come home and someone is using your stuff without your permission, tell them that you don't mind sharing, but they need to ask to use your grill first as you might have plans. But, if you think that's being rude then get a cheap grill cover and print "out of order" in big block letters on it. Furthermore, you should remove the lp tank to render it useless. That way, your neighbors will get the hint and you won't actually ever have to confront them. Good luck.
2007-06-19 11:21:55 · answer #4 · answered by Kathleen H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is your grill, it belongs to you, not the apratment complex. You have the right to limit its use. Consider finding a way to lock it.
Explain to people that your time is limited, and when you come downstairs with your supper, expecting to grill it, and you find you can't because your grill is in use, then it irritates you.
Another way is to cut a deal with folks. You will provide time for people to use the grill during the ususal hangout times, if they clean it, and invite you for a meal.
You didn't say what kind of a grill it was, but propane or charcoal, are you providing the fuel, too? That is plain rude of your neighbors, if they are stealing the fuel, too!
There is a liability issue, too. If someone gets burned, or something gets burned down, it will be your grill again, exclusively, really quick!
2007-06-19 10:47:22 · answer #5 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Like the other person said....maybe you could bring it into your porch after you're finished using it (if you have a porch). Or maybe the garage.
If that's not possible then I would buy a grill cover and tie it down. Most people wouldn't just go ahead and use it then. If they still tried, then you would have to come out and tell them. I understand not wanting to be rude to them but come on, it's YOUR grill. Maybe they should have chipped in and then they'd be allowed to use it. Here's an excuse: tell them that you don't want them using it in case something happens like a fire or something going wrong with the tank, etc. If it's a charcoal grill then say you don't want to be responsible for someone getting burned by the debri that sometimes flies out.
Hope you figure something out!
2007-06-19 10:42:14 · answer #6 · answered by Teia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wow how rude of them, even though you live closely together they have no right to just take over your grill. Take the propane tank out that will have them stumped, or put a cover on it or can you lock the thing down and the lid down? Next time someone asks just say you would like to not really lend it out so much as you like to use it too.
2007-06-19 10:34:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like Frisco's idea, but you could try a couple of other tactics. Drape some obviously dirty underwear/diapers over the grill, when not in use. Your neighbors might have something that you could use. Use those items without asking permission. When the mooching neighbors complain; simply tell them that since they used your grill without permission, you figured that EVERYONE in the complex was expected to share possessions.
2007-06-19 11:08:08 · answer #8 · answered by DAKal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How would you feel if they were coming into your apartment, eating your food, wearing your clothes, and watching your T.V.? They're doing the same thing. Tell them firmly that it is your grill and if they would like to BBQ they can buy their own.
2007-06-19 13:28:03 · answer #9 · answered by Angie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can't take the whole grill inside out of their reach, take just the cooking rack. They won't have anything to place their food on. It would not be rude if you asked them nicely not to use your grill.
2007-06-19 16:43:45 · answer #10 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋