Tenant Burning Incense as part of religion

[Mackenzie N.]

We just bought a duplex in the Hudson Valley and are now living in one of the units. Our new tenant has been living there for 7 years and the previous landlord allowed smoking in the unit. We have a strict no smoking policy, but will be creating an outdoor smoking area for their use. Upon signing our new lease (they were month to month) we have included our no smoking policy which also states no burning of incense or any other substance which causes particulate matter to be released into the air. The tenant agreed not to smoke cigarettes indoors, but wishes to continue practicing their religious tradition of burning incense and sage. The smell permeates into the common space and even into our unit. We would never want to infringe on someone’s religious freedoms, but when our air quality is compromised, it affects us. What would you do? Thanks!

[Karl B.]

I mean, they're a paying tenant and the only other tenant are you guys, the owners. 

The last thing you need is for them to move out and then you have a vacancy and have to find a tenant who likely won't stay long-term as this tenant does. 

If the smell truly bothers you then do what you feel is best but know that tenants typically do annoying things, especially when you live in a duplex (mine has tossed old cat litter off the back deck into the woods - if that's the worst they do then I'm fine with that).