New landlord - Allow a smoker?

[Daniel Dylan]

I'm a new landlord in a HCOL area with lots of highly paid young professionals. I have a well qualified applicant (2 friends whom lived together before), but one of them let me know they smoke. They assured me they would only do it outside, but not sure I can completely trust them. The other friend doesn't smoke.

They would be sharing the security deposit (~2500-3000) so I think that gives some security, but really on the fence. It seems like worst case that would cover the cost to repaint. I only have hardwood, no carpet. 

How does everyone feel about smokers? I have a few other applicants, but no one as qualified as these folks. 

[Nathan Gesner]

He admitted it up front so there's a pretty good chance he'll be honest and smoke outside, particularly if the roommate doesn't smoke. It's better than having two tenants that lie about it and then smoke inside.

If you're worried about it, wait a month and then hit them with an inspection to verify.