How to ask him?

Question

I am a single father of four baby girls (quadruplets) who has just moved into an apartment. But the man upstairs has a smoking problem. I think it might be some drug, and I don't want my eight-month-old daughters inhaling the fumes. how can i ask him to stop doing this or should i ask the landlord?

Answer 1

If I believed it to be an illegal drug I would speak to the landlord, if it is cigarette smoke, I dont believe there is much you can do, he is in his apartment that he is paying for and is entitled to do so unfortunately, unless it is a non smoking rental then again you should speak to the landlord, if not your only option would be to find somewhere else to live

Answer 2

If smoking is permitted in your building, there is likely not much you can do to stop it.  It is his space, and he is entitled to do what he likes in it -- just like you are entitled to do what you want in your space.

However, I don't know alot of landlords that allow smoking.  I would be very pleased to evict a tenant that was smoking in one of my properties -- and I would reward the person that reported it.  So my answer is to inquire with your landlord as to whether smoking is permitted.

If your building has a few units and a majority of the tenants are non-smokers, you may stand a better chance if a group of you appealed to the landlord to change it to a non-smoking building.

Answer 3

Explain to your neighbor that you have babies and ask if there's anything he can do.  I think it's best to give your neighbor a chance to fix things before taking it to the next level.  If that doesn't work, then ask the landlord if there is anything that can be done.  

If none of this works, you might want to buy an air purifier.  A good purifier can eliminate most harmful air particles, including dust and smoke.