Would you rent to a smoker?

[Heidi Kenefick]

I have a house that I rent out by the room. Right now only one room is rented long term, and one rented on a 3 month lease to a travel nurses. I have interest from people to rent out the other rooms long term.

Someone just applied that wants to rent for 6months to a year. Obviously it is better to have longer term tenants for stability. He did indicate that he smokes but won’t smoke in the house or at the property. This is a furnished rental- so I’m worried he might smell up the furniture or bed.

Would you all rent to a smoker? How likely is this fact going to cause problems with the other roommates?

I’m new to self management and new to by the room rentals. Thanks for the advice.

[Jon Puente]

Hey Heidi, 

This is such a great question and I am sure a lot of people wonder about this.  

We made a special provision in our long term lease that they can smoke, but not inside the home.  However, I would not let someone rent by the room and smoke.  That causes problems for everyone and will save you hassle down the road.  Take your time and find a tenant who will abide by the rules and take care of your home.

More work upfront, but less work on the backend!