Tenants Smoking in the Dwelling

[Sandy Keller]

Can you have a no smoking policy in your rental units, and if so how do you enforce it?

[Theresa Harris]

Yes you can.  If you find they are smoking, give them notice and remind them there is no smoking.  Do that once.  After that, evict them for not following the lease...or if it is close to time to renew the lease, do not renew the lease.

[Sandy Keller]

Quote from @Theresa Harris:

Yes you can.  If you find they are smoking, give them notice and remind them there is no smoking.  Do that once.  After that, evict them for not following the lease...or if it is close to time to renew the lease, do not renew the lease.

 So just be sure that the  lease says no smoking.   I will check that with my property manager...... and if it doesn't we will just have to add that into future leases. :)

I am new and learning. :)

[Justine Veal]

Is it in your lease? If not I would add that to the lease and go over it with each tenant before they sign. Otherwise it will be difficult to enforce. If its in the lease whenever someone breaks a rule you can serve them a notice to comply. Remember to always follow up! Hope this helps!

[Sandy Keller]

Quote from @Justine Veal:

Is it in your lease? If not I would add that to the lease and go over it with each tenant before they sign. Otherwise it will be difficult to enforce. If its in the lease whenever someone breaks a rule you can serve them a notice to comply. Remember to always follow up! Hope this helps!

 Thank you.  I kind of inherited these properties from my Dad when he went to Heaven.  There is a property manager.  I really should get him to give me a copy of the lease and discuss changes with him.  I have so much to learn and I am learning as I go a long.  I want to raise rents, improve properties and get better tenants, but it is a large job and only so many things can be done at once.  :)

[Henry T.]

Abolutely. You have all the rules written in your lease. Don't be afraid to pile on the rules. They're necessary for keeping your building looking sharp and lets tenants know not to mess with you.  Rule #27: "Only one vehicle allowed on property, must be currently licensed, and parked in designated space #423B".....stuff like that.

[Malkia Ra]

Um, yeah.

1. Disclose this in your advertisements.
2. Include this as a violation in the lease.

If they violate, bump them outta there!

[Dena Puliatti]

Make sure you have sold proof.  I know it smells, but a picture of an ashtray goes a long way if they pull the "It smelled like this when we moved in."  We do quarterly inspections for this specific reason.  I want to see if there are any unreported leaks, change the air filters, make sure there is a fire extinguisher, check the smoke detectors, and see what's going on in the unit.  If there is an infraction, a notice is posted on the spot.

[Sandy Keller]

Very good information. Thanks for helping me get some good ideas and education.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Sandy Keller:

Can you have a no smoking policy in your rental units, and if so how do you enforce it?

Absolutely! Your lease should say no smoking or vaping (of any product) and should include penalties for violating the rule. Inspect at least once every six months for every renter. That should be sufficient to catch violations. Inspect every three months if you're suspicious. If you catch them, give them 72 hours to clean and pass another inspection. If they refuse, fail, or violate again, terminate the lease and get them out.