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I looked at an apartment where the previous tenant started a cooking fire. Some cabinets above the stove had to be replaced. Additionally, they had not scrubbed down the wall and simply painted over any smoke evidence. Is there any risk of smoke inhalation or other risks from living in an apartment where there was a previous fire? (Also, the landlord is going to scrape off where it was painted over, scrub, and repaint the wall before any tenant moves in.)
I looked at an apartment where the previous tenant started a cooking fire. Some cabinets above the stove had to be replaced. Additionally, they had not scrubbed down the wall and simply painted over any smoke evidence. Is there any risk of smoke inhalation or other risks from living in an apartment where there was a previous fire? (Also, the landlord is going to scrape off where it was painted over, scrub, and repaint the wall before any tenant moves in.)
Unpaired smoke damage can leave toxins behind - consider it third-hand smoke.
Even if the landlord does as he says, I would be concerned that other shortcuts were taken. I'd recommend that you find another apartment.
I looked at an apartment where the previous tenant started a cooking fire. Some cabinets above the stove had to be replaced. Additionally, they had not scrubbed down the wall and simply painted over any smoke evidence. Is there any risk of smoke inhalation or other risks from living in an apartment where there was a previous fire? (Also, the landlord is going to scrape off where it was painted over, scrub, and repaint the wall before any tenant moves in.)
He's going to scrape paint off the wall? I assume this wall is drywall...how is he going to scrape paint off of drywall? It would make more sense to remove the damaged area and replace it.
I'd pass on this unit...if he does what he says he's going to do, you'll be able to smell that smoke when the conditions in the unit are just right. Kinda like smelling old cat pee that was 'professionally treated'...get the humidity and temp just right and you'll smell pee for days. Eww.
He's going to scrape paint off the wall? I assume this wall is drywall...how is he going to scrape paint off of drywall? It would make more sense to remove the damaged area and replace it.
I'd pass on this unit...if he does what he says he's going to do, you'll be able to smell that smoke when the conditions in the unit are just right. Kinda like smelling old cat pee that was 'professionally treated'...get the humidity and temp just right and you'll smell pee for days. Eww.
I agree that you might smell some smoke for a long time...
That said, if the price is right, I don't think I'd worry too much about it, assuming you can deal with the inconvenience and light a scented candle or put in a glade plug in.
Now, if I were severely asthmatic, or sensitive to smells like some people are, I would pass.
Think about the toxin argument; if it were that dangerous, wouldn't people be getting sick left and right from candles or fireplaces?
I agree that you might smell some smoke for a long time...
That said, if the price is right, I don't think I'd worry too much about it, assuming you can deal with the inconvenience and light a scented candle or put in a glade plug in.
Now, if I were severely asthmatic, or sensitive to smells like some people are, I would pass.
Think about the toxin argument; if it were that dangerous, wouldn't people be getting sick left and right from candles or fireplaces?
Candles and wood are simple fuels that result in complete combustion. Houses consist of complex fuels of synthetic materials i.e., wiring, plastics, PVC pipe (produces hydrogen cyanide when burned) that result in incomplete combustion leaving behind acid deposits, soot and other toxins.
I have a degree in Fire Science and trained as a fire inspector before realizing there's no money in it. Trust me, no one should occupy a fire damaged residence that has not undergone professional restoration.
Last edited by Mad_Jasper; 12-05-2017 at 09:41 AM..
Thank you all! While this place would have been a great deal, after reading Mad_Jasper's knowledgeable posts I don't feel comfortable going with it. I am also unsure if the landlord would do everything he said he would, either.
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