Updated almost 4 years ago on . Most recent reply
Tenant lied about being a non-smoker. Next steps?
To give some background, I have two tenants (a young couple) renting out a main floor suite from us while I live in the basement suite. So far they've been respectful, pay their rent on time, etc. although since I'm living in the basement they are likely inclined to behave better since I'm always around.
On their application they both said they're non-smoking, however I recently found a few pieces of evidence that one of the tenants has been smoking outside. I've seen him in his car smoking, found a pack a cigars on a patio chair, and a lighter. I haven't been able to smell it inside yet.
Their lease does not allow smoking inside (I'll add a clause about smoking outside next time), so technically they aren't in breach of the lease, although I get an uneasy feeling knowing he is a smoker and the fact he lied on his application.
I also plan on moving out in 6 months so won't be around as much to keep watch on them. I feel the right course is to message them about it, and reiterate that I do not allow smoking inside, and the possible repercussions that would come if they were to. Thoughts?