Ever live in an apartment, and have problems with cigarette smoke from other apartments?

[raccoon]

I live in an apartment building built in the late 1980’s. On Monday I came home from work and the apartment smelled like cigarette smoke. (This also happened Monday or Tuesday a week ago, can’t remember which.)

There are six (maybe 7, I’m not sure) units in the one-story building. The apartment behind me, the tenant smokes. Also in one other apartment, the tenant smokes.

I have discussed this with the property manager and she provided me with an air freshening machine and said she’ll have the maintenance man replace the heater/AC filter.

Monday was very warm in my area, and my thought is that the tenant behind me was either running the AC, or possible the fan over the stove (her stove would back up to my stove) and that caused the smoke smell to get into my apartment. The reason I’m thinking this is that I haven’t noticed the smoky smell every day when I get home. It seems like it would be every day, unless it’s coming from the fan over the stove (which most people wouldn’t run every day.)

It’s about time to sign my lease, and now I don’t know what I’m going to do about that. Much as I hate moving, if I have to put up with the odor like it was on Monday, I’ll move.

Only thing is, if I move, how do I know I won’t run into this problem again? I’ve lived in apartments before and never had this problem.

Any thoughts?

[cherish44]

1. Find a non-smoking apartment building or just get lots of air freshener

Lots of apartments are going nonsmoking now...as much as moving sucks, if it really really bothers you, that's probably your best solution...

[AngryOldDem]

2. Yes. I feel your pain.

It would come through the vents. At times, especially at night it was hard to breathe. Management was just totally oblivious to it, and it was so bad that I actually called the city health department and filed a complaint. We left as soon as we could.

I had a similar problem in another apartment and when I was there I just used candles to mask the smell. It wasn't as bad as the first place; plus I worked second shift so it really only became a problem on my days (nights) off.

My only advice would be to look for smaller apartment buildings (four unit) and avoid complexes. With smaller apartments you get to know the owner/manager better; they are more receptive to your concerns/complaints for the most part; and they can most likely tell you if the other tenants smoke. Also be on the lookout for ads that specifically mention non-smoking facilities (if there are any, and there might be nowadays, given the attitude toward smoking).

If it bothers you that much, then you might have to move. This is your home, after all, and you deserve to be comfortable in it.

[surrealAmerican]

3. Unfortunately, there isn't a whole lot that can be done ...

... and, yes, it could easily be just as bad at another apartment. We're in an older building, and thankfully, our neighbors don't smoke very much, but when they do, you know it.

[david13]

4. Sometimes it will even come through various little cracks in the walls.

Some sealer for any holes or some of the expandable foam that seals up holes, such as under the sink where the pipes come in.
Also, if your window is open it may come out their window and in yours.
Sniff around and try to see where it is coming from. Then seal if you can.
I know. It is a horrible stench. Why people could possibly be stupid enough to such on those things is beyond me.
dc

[MrsBrady]

5. that sucks

I would find a non-smoking apartment complex.

as much as moving sucks, I couldn't stand the smoke.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

6. Yes and it sucks.

When I lived in the dorms during college, I'd try to open my window, but of course the girls smoking on the balconies would keep me from enjoying the fresh air.
Then we moved into an apartment building where once again we couldn't open windows without stinking up our apartment. It just seems to me that smokers really don't care if it is bothering someone else as long as they are getting their fix. They always say I have no right to bitch because they have every right to smoke. That might be true, but when that right encroaches on my right to fresh air, then your rights end.
Oh, and since we're talking about smokers, I have to say this: Democrats, every time you buy another pack, you are helping idiots like Boehner and Scott Walker get into office. Just food for thought.
Duckie

[datasuspect]

7. hey, i'll trade problems with you

if that was all i had to worry about . . .

[bbinacan]

8. Very well said.n/t

[bbinacan]

9. Buy a house

and be done with it. As a smoker, I'll submit that you get more nasty air standing on a street corner.

[wickerwoman]

10. Yep, I totally feel your pain.

My bedroom window is about three feet from my neighbor's balcony and the prevailing winds blow the smoke straight in my window. And the room is too small to move the bed anywhere else so it winds up straight over my head when I'm trying to sleep. Wouldn't mind the smoking so much (although it kills my allergies) but he also has the most irritating voice imaginable- he shrieks loudly and does Liza impersonations in full voice for his asshole friends at 3am.
Otherwise I love, love, love my apartment and wouldn't consider moving but I do shoot cosmic death vibes at my neighbor on pretty much a daily basis. Amazing how much one inconsiderate asshole can really harsh your buzz.