How should I deal with my new room Renter possibly Smoking?

Question

I just got a new Room Renter in my House.

I am a non-smoker and I had the new renter sign an agreement to House Rules including not smoking.

The other day I found a cigarette butt in my garage. But I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, so I assumed it must have been from the previous owners of the House. Then this morning, I went-out to the kitchen to drink a glass of water. As soon as I opened my bedroom door, I could smell what seemed to be the smell of cigarette smoke in the house. Since I haven't actually seen the renter smoking, I don't want to blatantly accuse him, plus he just moved-in last week and renters are hard to find around here, so I don't want to lose him unless it's absolutely unavoidable. What would you suggest I do?

Answer 1

I'd just ask him if he smokes and if he does if he can do it outside....  

Answer 2

He can't even smoke outside??? sheesh your strict.  I am a smoker, however, I don't allow smoking inside my home, I smoke outside on my patio with the doors closed, I expect all my renters/roommates to smoke outside also.  I have ashtrays so there's no excuse for dropping cigarette butts on the floor.  Now if you're having trouble finding someone to rent do you really want to "push" this person out the door with your strict no smoking on my property or near my property rule?  Cause that's what you'd be doing if you tell them that.

When your rules said "no smoking" did you specify exactly what that means?  Does it state there is no smoking inside the house or anywhere on the property?  If you weren't specific then you're in for a fight.  I would approach your renter and ask if they are a smoker?  When they say yes, tell them you'd appreciate if they don't smoke in the garage and give them a specified location outside to smoke at, tell them that you don't like the smoke getting in the house and you need them to dispose of their cigarette butts appropriately and not to put them in the trash inside the house (cause that smells) give them an ashtray or a bucket with kitty litter inside that helps mask odors of butts.  If you tell them they can't smoke on the property I suggest you start looking for another renter, preferably one that does not smoke at all.

Answer 3

I would just approach him very calmly and let him know that you understand that smoking is a really difficult habit to simply cut... and you'd be willing to do all you can to help him, so long as he does all he can to help you (by keeping it outside).  Tell him you're allergic to the smoke (my roommate really is).  

Answer 4

Ask him.  tell him you found a butt and remind him that you have a no smoking policy

He may have been smoking outside with the door or window open and the smoke drifted in the house.  Happens to me with my neighbors all the time and I have to close my windows and front door.

Answer 5

If your nose is anything like mine your suspicions are probably right.  I loathe cigarette smoke and can smell it a mile away.

If you have stated in your rental agreement that there is to be no smoking in or on the premises then your tenant is in breach of the agreement and faces eviction if he continues.  If you only said no smoking in the house you can always revise the month to month tenancy with proper notice.

I would give it a few more weeks until you're absolutely sure.  Then I would provide a copy of the agreement with the no smoking clause highlighted and tell your tenant that you would like to discuss the matter with him.

He may tell you that he was not the one smoking and that it was his guest.  That does not matter. Tenants are responsible for their guests complying with the agreement.

If he told you before you signed him on that he was a non-smoker then he either lied to you or it was one of his guests who was smoking.

If you are just renting out a room to this person he may not be considered a tenant.  He may be defined as a boarder or a lodger which works in your favor as he is likely not protected by the residential tenancy act in your region.

Just a word of caution.  An interesting point was brought up about insurance.   Check that carefully and see if you received a discount on the premium conditional to no one smoking in or near the house.  It may also extend to the garage.

The bottom line is you don't want smoking in or on your property.  You are going to have to weigh this condition with your need for revenue.

Answer 6

Since you obviously need a renter, I think you need to compromise.

I wouldn't allow him to smoke in the house either.  Your hazard insurance company probably asked if you were a smoker when you got the policy and you received a discount for that.

It also causes the carpet and everything else to stink and the stinch is hard to get rid of.

Give him a DESIGNATED area in the yard to smoke at.  Get a $1.00 bucket with a little sand for his butts and make it his responsibility to clean it out.

Tell him if you find out he's smoking in the room he'll have to leave and REMIND him that non-smokers can smell that odor.

I used to have a roommate once that sneaked a cigarette in the morning before she went to work, and she left the apt about 30 minutes after I did....when I CAME HOME 8 hours later, I could smell it.

He'll comply.

Answer 7

Just politely ask them to smoke outside. Or in the garage if you don't mind it there. You can say that you're allergic to the smoke. (white lie)