Enforce "No Smoking" rule on current tenants in new Purchase?

[Pete Sailhamer]

I am closing on an 8-unit shortly and have been debating back and forth on this one.  I have a no smoking rule in our lease that I use for all our rentals.  However a couple of the current tenants smoke as it has been allowed by the prior owner.  For the sake of health, sanitation, the well-being of other tenants, and risk of fire I have never allowed smoking.  However, I do actually care for the tenants that rent to me and don't want to displace them simply because I showed up.  One is an elderly lady who has lived there for 23 years.  I also know that by these tenants leaving, I have the opportunity to rehab those units and increase the value of the property.

Any advice on whether I should let them continue to smoke, or enact a no smoking rule once they sign my lease in 30 days?

[Lynn McGeein]

Originally posted by @Pete Sailhamer:

...For the sake of health, sanitation, the well-being of other tenants, and risk of fire I have never allowed smoking.  However, I do actually care for the tenants that rent to me and don't want to displace them simply because I showed up.  One is an elderly lady who has lived there for 23 years. 

I think the part I just quoted says it perfectly.   I'd explain your dilemma, ask if it will be a problem complying with a no smoking policy, then maybe compromise if they say they won't stop, like you'll take it month-by-month with them, but if there are any complaints about their smoking or it's causing problems where other units feel they can smoke, too, or preventing people from living there to avoid the smoke, then you'll have to give them notice to leave, no matter how much you'd like to accommodate.