Inherited a tenant who was allowed to smoke in the "garage".

[Jason L.]

I recently purchased a duplex and inherited tenant who was allowed to smoke in the “garage” under her previous landlord. After a few visits in her home it’s obvious that she’s smoking in the house. Her lease is up December 31st, but does not want to move at the moment. If she renewed with me for any amount of time, I would not allow her to smoke inside the house, under my lease agreement.  I’m also consider this time of year is hard to find new tenants. What’s the best approach to this situation?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bill Gulley]

Let her smoke, get a deposit that will cover new pain and cleaning, in fact, you can set that aside as a condition to allow smoking and there will be no question that at the end of the lease term, it pays for cleaning and painting. Just don't put 100% of that cost on her as you benefit from a new paint job too.  :)