Experiences in apartment living as a smoker (apartments, lease)

[nottanative]

We've lived here for 8 months now, but are wondering if everyone who smokes goes through the same thing we (I) am going through?

First, when we looked at apartments, NO ONE mentioned this additional policy for "smoke damage" that they can charge up to $3000 to recondition the apartment for smoke damage - even if you smoke outside IF they conclude the smoke drifted into the apartment!!!!

I mean, I smoke outside on the balcony, but have received 2 notices from the lease management that we've had anonymous complaints of smoke drifting into other apartments. Strange - only bc 4 out of 5 of our neighbors are smokers!!!

My question is this-- they keep the complainers anonymous - is it possible we are being "set up" for additional charges when we leave? I mean, this place tried to convince us to pay an extra $50 a month to upgrade the water fixtures and/or the stick-on tiles to ceramic. I keep thinking it's a set up.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

It's odd that you have so many smoking neighbors. Most people here, as I'm sure you noticed, don't smoke. As a former smoker and now non-smoker for 15 yrs, I can tell you that they may well charge you a lot to clean the place after you leave; you can't tell how the smell lingers b/c you are used to it. I can smell a smoker from about 6 ft away when they're not smoking.

. Even from the balcony, smoke does drift in and it's on your hair and clothes and gets transferred to the apt. They will certainly steam clean the carpeting and may want to re-paint with an odor control paint. I wouldn't assume they are setting you up so much as they are bing cautious. And if the one non-smoker is complaining, well, they can do that.

[newtoutah]

U know what..I smoke and I swear I don't see how any one else can tell you not too when u are paying your rent. Its complete BS!!!!!!!

[cinnabon]

Originally Posted by newtoutah

U know what..I smoke and I swear I don't see how any one else can tell you not too when u are paying your rent. Its complete BS!!!!!!!

It really does leave a smell that clings to walls, carpeting, and just about anything else... not to mention possible burn holes and fire damage. The next tenants would be able to tell... I'd never allow it if I was a landlord. I can see where it's getting more difficult to be a smoker. I was thrilled when NJ finally passed a law that there would be no more smoking in bars, restaurants and any public buildings. No smoker wants to hear it, but maybe it's a bit of an incentive to quit and save your health anyway.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Originally Posted by newtoutah

U know what..I smoke and I swear I don't see how any one else can tell you not too when u are paying your rent. Its complete BS!!!!!!!

No more so than saying no pets allowed or no new hooks in the walls. They can set the conditions for renting to you and you either accpet or decline. You have temporary use of the property, not permanent.

[newtoutah]

Well this smoking thing is ridiculous. Maybe some of us don't like the stench that others leave behind with their perfumes or their house smells. I am highly allergic to perfume but is that banned anywhere..NO. If I were a landlord I would allow smoking even if I were a non smoker. Im not supposed to smoke where I am but u know what we are on a rent to own deal and if im buying it im going to smoke in it. This is just stupid. And before u all jump on me, do u realize how much damage a child leaves a place???? I have kids so I know for a fact. This is another reason I need to go to a smoke friendly state. And as for smoking...its my health not anyone elses. People have been smoking for years and years and than all these liberals spoke out about how bad smoking was for you and u will die..blah blah blah. Yes smoking is an addiction, but its my addiction not anyone elses. If my insurance can pay for somebody that claims they are mentally ill, than they have no right to deny me benefits for my smoking. And back to the renting issue, non smokers cause just as much damage as a smoker and I feel that is total discrimination when they say no smoking or pets. Yes it maybe a temporary residence that someone owns that I am renting from, BUT I am living here and they are MAKING me sign a years lease or more and I'm supposed to NOT feel comfortable and be myself????

[cinnabon]

Originally Posted by newtoutah

Well this smoking thing is ridiculous. Maybe some of us don't like the stench that others leave behind with their perfumes or their house smells. I am highly allergic to perfume but is that banned anywhere..NO. If I were a landlord I would allow smoking even if I were a non smoker. Im not supposed to smoke where I am but u know what we are on a rent to own deal and if im buying it im going to smoke in it. This is just stupid. And before u all jump on me, do u realize how much damage a child leaves a place???? I have kids so I know for a fact. This is another reason I need to go to a smoke friendly state. And as for smoking...its my health not anyone elses. People have been smoking for years and years and than all these liberals spoke out about how bad smoking was for you and u will die..blah blah blah. Yes smoking is an addiction, but its my addiction not anyone elses. If my insurance can pay for somebody that claims they are mentally ill, than they have no right to deny me benefits for my smoking. And back to the renting issue, non smokers cause just as much damage as a smoker and I feel that is total discrimination when they say no smoking or pets. Yes it maybe a temporary residence that someone owns that I am renting from, BUT I am living here and they are MAKING me sign a years lease or more and I'm supposed to NOT feel comfortable and be myself????

wow, that was a lot of cans of worms opened in only one post! lol To each his own, but if you seriously believe smoking isn't bad for you, you're fooling yourself. And mental illness is just a myth? I'm not touching that one with a 10 foot pole!

I agree on the pet point, and that kids definitely do more damage than pets do, but unfortunately, some people do allow their pets to trash their place, so the rest of us have to suffer because of it. I've been fortunate to find a landlord who is cool with my 2 cats.

[newtoutah]

Ok let me ask u one question..do u drink???? Alcohol is bad for u as well and alot of people drink. Smoking is bad for u yes, but its my decision to do what I want with my body correct??? I fight for smokers rights and thats why I feel so strongly when we get discriminated against.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

As it happens, I don't drink, for health reasons not religious ones. If I walk down the sidewalk drinking from a container, you are not at risk of anything other than my boorish behavior. If you walk down the sidewalk smoking, anyone around you is at risk for 2nd hand smoke, which has been proven to be harmful. While I think we all have the right to do with our lives/bodies as we will, that right ends when it impinges on another (and that includes children of smokers).

[newtoutah]

That question wasn't aimed at u Southern. And btw, drinking does impinge on others. Gee how many deaths are caused by smokers compared to drinkers??? I think I shall look and see how many deathers are related to second hand smoked and then the ones with drunk drivers. Im just also curious as to why people down smoking, but they will light up a cigar at a cigar bar or enjoy a hooka bar..it makes no sense to me. Drinking eats your liver doesn't it??? and alot of people have to go to rehab because of it. I don't know of any smokers that need to go to rehab.