Smokers, outdoors/indoors, declared and otherwise

[Stephen E.]

I am stunned at the number of smokers that are out there in the rental pool. Right now out of seven units I have four smokers, all of which claim to be 'outdoors' smokers, two of which I discovered subsequent to leasing. They smoke on balconies, decks, etc., and claim never to smoke indoors. I discovered one of these smoked today as I went over with some paperwork that needed to be done. He was out on the balcony smoking with the sliding door open, he said so that he could hear the door as he was expecting me. Smoke had drifted into the unit and you could clearly smell it, disappointing as I had recently spent $12,500 on new carpet, paint, work in the kitchen and bath. The place is pristine! So my question would be to what extent do you think 'outdoor' smokers really are outdoor smokers, and do you think it is realistic to avoid them? I don't let people in who smoke in the unit, but then no one seems to admit that they smoke in the unit. It seems they are all outdoor smokers now. As an aside, I'm in Canada (near Detroit and Toronto). We get a very real winter. I am not sure how religious outdoor smokers will be about staying outdoors in the depths of wintertime.

[Stan Butler]

The things that a lot of renters seem have in common:  Smoking, Pets, Car Payments and  Expensive Cable TV Service.

I will not rent to a smoker unless I am desperate for a tenant.  They will most certainly smoke in your home and lie to your face about it.  Even still, smoking in their car or outside still gets in their clothing, which then infiltrates your home. 

The smell of pets is equally annoying, so we apply a surcharge if the tenant has a dog or cat.  You cant count on having to replace the carpet if they have a dog.