Tenants are smoking weed and strong smell is radiating to my second unit.

[Freddy T.]

I just bought a duplex about 2 weeks ago with tenants in one unit already living there. I realized that the tenants are heavy marijuana smokers and have permeated the smell to my other unit. I am having issues showing the apartment to potential tenants given how awful it smells of marijuana. Any suggestions from landlords who have had a similar problem? I don't know if I should tell the tenants to stop smoking (given that it is legal and technically they can smoke how they want and whatever they want). Should I just kick them out? The smell is really bad and im concerned that potential tenants would not want to move in. I would greatly appreciate any advice or help. Thanks. 

[Greg Scott]

Smells are always a difficult to manage in a multifamily environment.  Here are some thoughts:

1) You can't "just kick them out".  If they have a lease, you can non-renew them.  If they are month-to-month, you can inform them they must move after the end of the next month.  If they have violated the lease, you can follow the remedies in their lease.

2) Depending on your sub-market, the prospective tenants may also be pot-smokers so not care about the smell.

3) Find ways to mitigate the smell to the other unit.  There should be ways to mitigate the problem.