How to Buy a Duplex and Require Non-smoking to Existing Tenants

[Paul Wiseman]

I am trying to buy my first duplex and live in the side that will be vacant in March 2020. The tenant that wants to stay is a smoker. She has been there 6 years and has a good payment history. Her lease is up in May 2020. I prefer to have a non-smoking building. I also want tenants to carry their own renters insurance. I really don't want to lose a good paying long term tenant over this smoking issue, but at the same time, do not want a smoker as a tenant. It's a dilemma!

Any suggestions will be most appreciated

Also, any legal issues to be aware of - i.e. can the landlord mandate non-smoking?

Can the landlord require tenant to carry renters insurance?

Thanks

[Scott Pearson]

They have already been there for 6 years.  Place is already a smokers place.  Chasing them away means smoke remediation needs to be done right away.  My thinking is keep them as long as there are a good tenant.