The Issue of Smoking Tenants

[Daniel Overby]

Smoking inside of a home is one of the more expensive types of damage to remedy. Sometimes it can take ripping out all flooring, trim, and fixtures, and adding layers of paint everywhere to block out the odor. Most leases have a "no smoking" clause but most times once you learn it has been violated the damage has been done. Are smoking tenants a big issue for your properties or no? What are good ways to prevent this from happening? How often does this happen to you? What have you had to pay to fix the odor?

[JD Martin]

I've never had to rip out flooring. I don't have any carpet in any of our units so that makes a difference. Beyond that an ozone machine is your friend. I've never had to rip out fixtures or trim - that's way overkill. It will require a good cleaning, for sure, andd yes there's a chance you may have to paint.