Security deposit - Smoking in non smoking unit.

[Eric Skiba]

Hi All,

Real estate investor here from Connecticut

i have a situation i have never encountered before. My rental unit is non smoking, and upon lease termination the whole apartment smells like smoke, as well as dried up nicotine spots all over the walls. Aside from the deep cleaning and painting, i read that to really remove the smell you need an air purifier with carbon filter, both of which i dont own as of now. The law is very vague in what is allowed to be deducted. Considering i do not own this equipment and its a direct relation to the smoke damage, am i able to deduct this from the security deposit? (purchasing an air purifier and carbon filer)

Any insight would be extremely helpful!

[Michael Noto]

@Eric Skiba This is beyond “normal wear and tear”. I’d keep the deposit from the info you provided.  Just make sure to document everything in case they challenge it.