Inherited Tenants

[Adam Shindler]

Hello BP Community,

It appears as if I will be inheriting tenants in one unit of a duplex I am purchasing.  

Here is my questions:

The current tenants are smokers, the unit reeks of smoke, and I can't imagine the damage that has been done to the place over their 7 year tenancy.  My policy for rental screening is "no smokers allowed", however I understand that these tenants pay on time and are nice, quiet people.

Because I suppose the damage is already done, should I just let them stay and go through the necessary rehab when they vacate eventually?

[Marcia Maynard]

1.  I would grandfather them in as "smokers", however I would not allow them to continue to smoke inside the unit or on the premises. Although the unit is already damaged, no need to allow it to get worse. Also, since it is a duplex, smoking on the property can have a negative affect on the other tenant too. 

2.  Replacing of furnace filters more often on the smoker's unit is important to keep the furnace working and to prevent more nicotine residue from getting into the air ducts. Smokers cost a landlord more money than a non-smokers. Make sure their rent is sufficient enough to cover the added ongoing expense. 

3.  Make sure their security deposit is sufficient to cover the extra turnover costs and your extra risk. You may require the unit to be cleaned now at their expense to bring it back closer to baseline. Arrange for professional cleaning of the HVAC system, ducts, carpets, walls, woodwork, cabinets, windows, blinds, appliances, etc. Their furniture and clothing will trap the odors from smoking too, so as long as they live there the place will retain the foul odor. White vinegar evaporating in a pan and/or used to wash surfaces will help to eliminate smoke odors.

4.  There is more risk of fire when renting to smokers. Require they obtain and maintain sufficient Renter's Insurance. Name you as a party of "additional interest" so you can monitor the policy to make sure it stays in force. Check all the smoke detectors on a regular basis. Despite rules that forbid smoking in the unit, "smokers" often will smoke inside again anyway, so be sure to do more frequent property inspections.