If for some reason that is not agreeable with your tenants, then you are stuck relying on shelf liner.A few other options are: 1) let the process take its course and know that you will have issues to deal with in a few years, although these are relatively durable products assuming proper use and damage control 2) try to water proof them with a fast drying brush on lacquer product or an aerosol product (several thin coats)....never done it but don't see why it couldn't work or 3) after step 1 is complete and it has been a few years, you can sand down the bubbled up cabinet bottoms where wet plates and cups were set and put new 1/4' hardi-board????

But I think it would take a coil cleaning, coil replacement and/or new ducts to truly remedy the problem because when the system turns on after having been off for an hour or so it blows air with a subtle hint of stale tobacco smoke.

If it stinks of smoke/tobacco, you're immediately alienating 80% of potential renters.

@Preston Ellis Biggs since you like cigars, check out a group near you called the Tennessee International Tobacco Society

That why cigarettes killed and keep killing millions (While the big Tobacco executives knew about it and didn't disclose it), That's why companies pollute.

But as mentioned above  maybe it’s $2,000 worth of mold and ozone treatment or tobacco stain.

Imagine, for example, what will happen if tobacco companies enter this market. 

They drive jacked up 4x4s and chew tobacco in their sleep. 

@Jay Hinrichs very true, can't/shouldn't use aerosolized herbicides! 

I am not sure about the drug dealer legality but I think you may face a legal challenge if you try to evict someone who is using tobacco in their home.