Likewise, eliminating cigarette smoke odor without stopping the smoking is a losing battle.

I'd say the only way I could have bummed into you is if you smoke while reading a newspaper and knock the cigarette out of your mouth burning a hole in my car seat.

Unless you have a true deadbeat this will work.In most cases it's a matter of having the tenant realize that rent is a priority - before car payments, alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, child support, vacations, gambling, haircuts, and dining out.

A section 8 teen wearing pants hanging off the butt jobless in the hood spending his excess cash on cigarettes doesn't have as much pride in their appearance or life.

(I just don't answer them)Galvanized plumbingGate valvesToilet fill valves with the big float on an arm instead of the float that moves verticallySewer lines that are clogged with tree roots/tampons/butt wipesTenant applicants who want to tell you their life storyPeople on the phone who want to argue with you about how nice their pitbull isCopper thievesScreen doorsWood entry doorsTwo prong outletsPopcorn ceilingsPanelingFlorescent lightsOdors from pets/cigarettes/ghetto hygiene

Some of the damages include:-Cigarette burns on both vanity countertops-Pet, ink, and bleach stained carpets-missing shower heads (she said the old ones had mildew in them so she threw them away then took hers that she bought when she moved out)-serious paint damage past wear and tear (plus they smoked so the walls have to be painted to get rid of the smell)-beat in drywall holes-broken light fixtures-they didnt clean at all so cleaning costs-some items left (tires in basement, hangers, food in pantry, etc)-broken screens-etc.The tenants are not happy and are saying I stole their deposit.

I should mention that this family is from overseas and probably do not fully understand the implications of cigarette smoke damage and their security deposit.

Can I withhold any of the security deposit for painting/carpet replacement if there is significant odor from cigarette smoke?

•Tenant shall not smoke or allow guests to smoke cigarettes, pipes, cigars, etc., inside or outside the Leased Premises or dispose of cigarette butts, ashes, etc., on the grounds surrounding the Leased Premises.

I KNOW that she wont take cash for keys, She sat there and told me she put 300K in the house while blazing up a cigarette in the filthiest kitchen Ive ever seen with broken tile and paint chipping everywhere, Actually quite an ironic moment.