Extra rent for renting to a smoker?

Real Estate Agent · Butte, MT · Member since 2015 · 21 posts · 7 votes

I have an application from a lady that other than being a smoker, I would rent to.

Does anyone know of anything that would prevent me from charging extra rent and collecting a larger deposit to protect myself from the risk that she smokes inside the home?

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Mindy JensenPro Member

BiggerPockets Money Podcast Host · Longmont, CO · Member since 2014 · 7k+ posts · 10k+ votes

@Russ O'Leary, when I was a smoker, I also 'didn't smoke inside' until it got super cold outside, then all bets were off.

However, I also just bought a former smoker's house to live in personally. It REEKED. I bought this ozone machine on Amazon and ran it probably 9 times. No more smoke smell.

Read this thread, too. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52-rental-property-questions-landlording-issues/topics/773844-ohio-tenant-landlord-laws-cigarette-smoking-damage?page=1#p4546281

[email protected]Podcast Guest on Show #261

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Matthew Meikle
Realtor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2019 · 76 posts · 42 votes
6y
@John Teachout Well, I'm a newcomer to Florida. Brand new. I may be inundated with pet urine and cigarette butts before I know it. I don't remember seeing someone smoke in their house since I was a child, but I'm only familiar with the west coast.
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John Teachout
Rental Property Investor · Concord, GA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
6y
If they smoked inside for 15 years, it will be a special project for someone. takes washing down multiple times with TSP solution. Then priming with an oil/shellac based primer such as BIN. All the flooring will have to come out unless it's tile. The smell may not be able to be removed from the kitchen cabinets.
That's for smoke. If cats peed in the house a lot it may require removing the subfloor if it can't be adequately sealed.
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Anthony Wick
Rental Property Investor · Ankeny, IA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
6y
@Russ O'Leary
Well, your state probably caps the amount of deposit you can ask for. But I would not rent to a known smoker. Oh, but they only smoke outside? Sure. 1 step outside the door, with the wind blowing inside.
I visit my mom, who only smokes outside her apartment. So why is it that my clothes in my suitcase stink after I’ve been there a couple days (note to self, get a hotel next time)?
In my opinion, it’s one of the most destructive and disgusting habits a person could have. If you knowingly rent to a smoker, don’t complain when they smoke inside and you have a huge cleanup when they move.
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Anthony Wick
Rental Property Investor · Ankeny, IA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
6y
@Matthew Meikle
They are not a protected class. It’s my property. Nope, I do not knowingly rent to smokers. I suppose you don’t believe a “no pet” policy should ever be had either? What about sex offenders? Felons? Evictions? Bad credit?
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Matthew Meikle
Realtor · Jacksonville, FL · Member since 2019 · 76 posts · 42 votes
6y
@Anthony Wick To each their own. I never claimed it was unlawful. I will point out that cat owners represent nearly 30% of applicants and smokers over 15%.
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Alvin Sylvain
Los Angeles · Member since 2018 · 466 posts · 471 votes
6y
@Russ O'Leary
Let me present you with an alternative scenario that's counter to what's been said so far.
Accept the smoker with the extra cleaning deposit. When they leave, advertise the unit as SMOKERS WELCOME! Coz you can be sure that the smoke smell won't bother another smoker, and smokers all over will be looking for a place that will let them smoke. Such places are getting harder to find.
This may be a bad idea in an apartment where other units can be affected, but should be ideal for an SFR.
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Jack Cross
Member since 2017 · 7 posts · 1 vote
6y
@Russ O'Leary why not ask to visit her current apartment? See if it smells like smoke or there is any smoke damage.
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Dena Puliatti
Property Manager · Huntsville, AL · Member since 2017 · 302 posts · 246 votes
6y
People will lie on applications and claim to have no pets, be non-smokers, what have you. Tenants that may be non-smokers when they sign a lease can become smokers. With rental investments, you are also dealing with people. And people are imperfect. The only way to insure that no one ever smokes in your rental home is to not rent it. If she smokes in the unit, you must repaint. You can always charge her for additional damages after the final walk-through. This is not something I would sweat.
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Jonathan Taylor
Lender · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 916 posts · 647 votes
6y
@Russ O'Leary once you get the bill for how much it costs to remove a smoke smell from your investment you won’t rent to a smoker again
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