I just moved into a condo. Someone in the building is a indoor smoker how do I approach this?

Question

Every night and sometimes afternoon a big wave of cigarette smoke comes my way in the condo and I am on the bottom floor so I get the full wave. I am unsure of which neighbor it is but plan to narrow it down. I have severe allergies to cigarette smoke and it is so bad that my eyes are burning and my asthma acts up so horrible. I am popping benadryl left and right and it is not helping I have lived here a month or so ....It is unfair that I have to suffer adn I don't want to move I love my place. How can I approach this situation properly without seeming like a total craphead?

Answer 1

As a smoker, I can tell you that if you asked me to quit smoking in my OWN home, you wouldn't get far. I pay my bills, I pay for my cigarettes, and I pay to live where I want. I do not live in non-smoking homes (rentals) because I want to be able to come home from work, sit down, enjoy my smoke and relax. I do not smoke in public places because I do not believe that I should have the right to force my habit on others. Even in restaraunts that allow it, I do not. The sections are seperated by a half wall. So, if it was me, I would say you are SOL. But, have you asked the management company to maybe move you to another condo? I just dont believe that you are going to get someone that is going to be willing to quit smoking in their own home. Sorry

Answer 2

What are you planning to ask them to do in order to make things better for you?

If you expect to tell them they can't smoke within their own condo, there is no way to ask that properly.

If they are smoking in the hallways and that is what is entering your condo, then politely mention your allergies and asthma, and ask if they could refrain from smoking anywhere near your door.

If they are smoking on their balcony and that is entering your condo, again, politely mention your allergies and asthma, and ask if they could call you before they smoke out there so you can shut your windows and doors before you are exposed to the smoke.  Tell them you are sorry that is a pain for them, but you don't want to have to leave your windows closed all the time, and you also don't want your health to suffer, and you were wondering if they would mind helping you out with it.

If it is something else you plan to ask them, just remember to always be polite, make the focus your health and make sure it comes out as you asking them a favour, not as you expecting or demanding they do it.  Appear to be regretful, and unless they are total jerks you guys should be able to work out a compromise that will help your breathing.

Answer 3

well as a smoker i wouldn't stop smoking just for you not that i'm a jerk and am just trying to make things hard on you but because i care more about me being happy than you coming over and crying

Answer 4

Now by condo do you mean a condo complex where all the condos are rented or do you and some of the other residents if not all of them own the actual condo you are in. If so you can not ask to stop smoking within their condo unless of course the condo does have a no smoking policy in the condo association laws. If they dont this would be an infringement on their right to smoke within their property.

Answer 5

I can tell you, as an EX smoker, one of the things smokers always get angry about is not being able to smoke anywhere anymore.  Hopefully you will get a hold of one that is wanting to quit or one that will be sympathetic to your request.  The majority of smokers will NOT quit smoking in their own home...I can promise you that.  I'm sorry your suffering.

****Edit****  Example...the guy above me!

Answer 6

Is there a no smoking rule in place?  If so, then you have that on your side.  Does the person also live in the same complex as you or is he/she living on a separate property?  If the person is smoking in his/her own home that is not part of the condo development then there might not be much you can do.  However, it wouldn't hurt to approach the smoker politely and explain your situation to see if something can be worked out.  Unless the neighbor knows about your situation he/she is powerless to make any accommodation for you.  Just be nice about the whole thing.

Answer 7

You should beware of claiming that you have 'severe allergies' to cigarette smoke, unless you do.  Indulging your severe dislike of cigarette smoke is not the same thing.  There are ways to test if you have an allergic reaction to a substance, and you will certainly be asked to back up any claims you make.  Exaggerating your claims in a court immediately acts against you.

Answer 8

Well you could move right?

Either close a window or get use to it. People smoke. That's life.

I smoke and if someone gave me a hard time about it, I would make sure I smoked even more and tried really hard to blow it your way. So don't say anything. Move out or move in.

Answer 9

close your window

Answer 10

Is it a nonsmoking building?  If so, tell that person (nicely) that you are having a hard time healthwise because of your asthma. Ask them to stop.

If there aren't any nonsmoking rules set up, then you're pretty much screwed. The other tenant has the right to smoke inside their own apartment.  You can still tell them that you have asthma, and the smoking bothers you. But, if they choose to smoke anyway, then, they just do.