Residual Smoke Detection
January 9, 2016 12:36 PM Subscribe
What can I do to measure the amount of residual smoke before and after a tenant's occupation?
As a landlord, I rent out my house and in the rental contract it specifies that smoking is prohibited in the house. This is in Colorado, so I'm not concerned about the legality of the smoke, just the condition of the house. I have a fairly sensitive nose, and can definitely smell if there has been smoking in the house (tobacco or mj), but this in not objective. The house is unfurnished. Any suggestions?
As a landlord, I rent out my house and in the rental contract it specifies that smoking is prohibited in the house. This is in Colorado, so I'm not concerned about the legality of the smoke, just the condition of the house. I have a fairly sensitive nose, and can definitely smell if there has been smoking in the house (tobacco or mj), but this in not objective. The house is unfurnished. Any suggestions?
Is objectivity necessary? You obviously have an interest in being fair, so you aren't likely to charge a cleaning fee for smoke if you can't smell anything upon the tenant vacating.
I would be upfront and clear with the tenant regarding that rule, with the caveat that if it smells like smoke in the house, the cleaning fee will be deducted from the security deposit.
posted by Karaage at 1:12 PM on January 9, 2016
I would be upfront and clear with the tenant regarding that rule, with the caveat that if it smells like smoke in the house, the cleaning fee will be deducted from the security deposit.
posted by Karaage at 1:12 PM on January 9, 2016
Charge extra rent as part of the lease agreement to cover the extra wear and tear (like carpet cleaning and repainting) smoking generates?
You could also require they obtain and use hepa air filters.
I don't know of a reliable method to monitor folks in this way without grossly invading their privacy. I know there are devices, but I can't understand how they would be reliable in any meaningful way. If my window is open and smoke wafts in regularly from my neighbor's place, I mean, a test might show positive, but it would not in any way be fair.
If this is going to freak you out that much, don't be a landlord. Smoking is not yet illegal. You can't really "police" folks, just mitigate the consequences of renting out property. This is wear and tear and you shouldn't sweat it.
OR - rent to someone with allergies and asthma. Then you know their lifestyle precludes smoking.
posted by jbenben at 1:14 PM on January 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
You could also require they obtain and use hepa air filters.
I don't know of a reliable method to monitor folks in this way without grossly invading their privacy. I know there are devices, but I can't understand how they would be reliable in any meaningful way. If my window is open and smoke wafts in regularly from my neighbor's place, I mean, a test might show positive, but it would not in any way be fair.
If this is going to freak you out that much, don't be a landlord. Smoking is not yet illegal. You can't really "police" folks, just mitigate the consequences of renting out property. This is wear and tear and you shouldn't sweat it.
OR - rent to someone with allergies and asthma. Then you know their lifestyle precludes smoking.
posted by jbenben at 1:14 PM on January 9, 2016 [1 favorite]
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First thing I found was this web site selling residue tests. That's for nicotine; not sure if there's one for weed which as a lower nicotine content I believe. But depending on use should catch heavy "vapers" as well.
I'd get the tests done before a move-in in standard places; walls, door frames, carpets, ceiling fan blades. State the property has been tested prior to rental and the results were XZY and the property will be similarly tested again on move out before the deposit is returned.
Also stock the renters with (and build into your costs) disposable central air/heat filters. Enough to replace monthly (like on rent day). As a potential renter I'd expect if you're going to be "that fussy"* then you'd better keep me in filters.
*as a sensitive asthmatic I don't think a non smoking agreement is too fussy but when I ask people to do something they consider a bit fussy I try to make it as easy as possible for them to ensure compliance.
Heck, if I start renting a place out, I'll not only throw in the filters but price in a $50 monthly discount to give me the old filter. It would help me make sure central air is functioning properly.
posted by tilde at 1:07 PM on January 9, 2016 [2 favorites]