question re: neighbors smoking rop (Fairfax: renters, townhouse, live in)

[Blanca29]

We live in Fairfax County in a townhouse and the renters next door are smoking outside all the time. I have a small child and asthmatic husband, and we can't use the backyard. Is there a rule in VA about this? Thanks

[Flamingo13]

Sorry but it's outside, people are allowed to smoke outside.

[Denton56]

As far as I know, people are allowed to smoke in their own yard and in their own house. I don't think that your child will be harmed by neighbors smoking, but you might want to ask your pediatrician. I know it stinks and I didn't like it when my neighbors smoked when we had neighbors close by. I didn't want to smell it! But they paid for their house and their yard, just as I did. Does your husband have asthma problems from smokers even when he's outside? If so, you may need to move very far out into the country where you can have many acres of land. How does he avoid smokers in other outside areas?

[cocytus]

Originally Posted by Blanca29

We live in Fairfax County in a townhouse and the renters next door are smoking outside all the time. I have a small child and asthmatic husband, and we can't use the backyard. Is there a rule in VA about this? Thanks

How large is your backyard?
Wouldn't your husband and daughter be able to use the yard when your neighbors aren't outside.I wouldn't imagine that the smoke would linger outside for more than 15-20 minutes. Less on a windy day.

Unless your neighbors blowing smoke in your direction intentionally,I think that short of moving (since you seem not have discussed this w/ them) you are probably going have to suck this one up.

Good luck

[CAVA1990]

You could get some giant fans that blow toward the neighbors' yard.

[Blanca29]

Originally Posted by cocytus

How large is your backyard?
Wouldn't your husband and daughter be able to use the yard when your neighbors aren't outside.I wouldn't imagine that the smoke would linger outside for more than 15-20 minutes. Less on a windy day.

Unless your neighbors blowing smoke in your direction intentionally,I think that short of moving (since you seem not have discussed this w/ them) you are probably going have to suck this one up.

Good luck

Very small (typical 70s townhouse) and it smells really badly - they don't clean the ashtrays and in this heat, it stinks.

[Denton56]

You can smell an ashtray with dead cigarettes from their yard? wow. Is it the size of a small car or something?

[Denton56]

This thread might be of some help to you: http://www.city-data.com/forum/charl...neighbors.html
Do you own your townhouse? If not, you could always move but of course there is no guarantee that you won't move next door to another smoker. A house far out in the country might be your only option.

[Bigfoot424]

Let's try something. Talk to them.

[Denton56]

Talk to them and ask them not to smoke outside their home, in their yard? I suppose that it's worth a try, but I kinda doubt that it would work.