Maybe you never thought to ask your tenants if they were smokers. Maybe you could tell that they smoked cigarettes but assumed they would be courteous enough to do it outdoors. Whatever happened, your rental now reeks of cigarette smoke, even months after the tenants have moved out. The smell is pervasive, unpleasant, and challenging to eliminate, and it’s hard to tell which area(s) you should target first.
As a landlord, the smell of cigarette smoke can be a significant deterrent for potential tenants and may impact your rental property's overall appeal and value. Addressing the stubborn odor of cigarette smoke is essential not only for the satisfaction of future occupants but also for maintaining the property in prime condition. Below, you will find effective strategies and practical tips to help you get rid of the persistent cigarette smoke smell in your rental property, ensuring it remains fresh and inviting for new tenants.
The Impact of Cigarette Smoke Smell on Rental Properties
The smell of cigarette smoke can significantly impact your rental property, affecting its marketability and the health of potential tenants. Understanding these impacts is crucial for you as a landlord aiming to maintain your property's desirability and safety.
Diminished appeal and value
The odor of cigarette smoke can significantly diminish the appeal and value of your rental property. Prospective renters often associate this odor with poor indoor air quality and lack of cleanliness, prompting them to seek alternative options. Consequently, this can lead to prolonged vacancy periods and may require you to reduce rental rates to attract tenants.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "in 2021, nearly 12 out of every 100 U.S. adults aged 18 years or older (11.5%) currently smoked cigarettes. This means an estimated 28.3 million adults in the United States currently smoke cigarettes." Bearing this data in mind, it's crucial for you as a landlord to understand the potential consequences for your rental property if you allow your tenant to smoke indoors.
Health risks for tenants
The presence of cigarette smoke residue extends far beyond the impact on rental appeal, posing serious health risks to tenants. Thirdhand smoke, as described by the American Lung Association, “occurs when tobacco smoke leaves residual nicotine and other chemicals on indoor surfaces, skin, fur and furniture, even after the air has cleared.” These residues can react with common indoor pollutants, creating harmful compounds and potentially endangering the health of your tenants.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) emphasizes the increasing recognition of thirdhand smoke as a potential hazard, especially for children, who not only inhale the fumes but also ingest residues through hand contact with contaminated surfaces. While further research is warranted to fully understand the risks to human health, studies, including one involving mice, have demonstrated various adverse impacts of thirdhand smoke exposure, encompassing hyperactivity and detrimental effects on liver and lung health.
Given the health risks linked to thirdhand smoke exposure, it is crucial for you as a landlord to prioritize thorough cleaning measures and possibly implement smoke-free policies. By doing so, you can ensure the well-being of your tenants and maintain a healthy living environment in your rental properties.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Smell of Cigarette Smoke
Unfortunately, the lingering odor of cigarette smoke can be particularly challenging to eliminate; luckily, with the right approach, it can be effectively managed. Below, you will find a detailed, step-by-step process to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from your rental property, ensuring a healthier and more pleasurable living environment for new tenants.
1. Air out your rental
To begin removing the smell of cigarette smoke from your rental, you need to air it out. Start by opening all the windows and blinds (or curtains). Then, use fans on opposite sides of the rental property, one facing out and one facing in, to push out stale air and draw in fresh air. If your rental has ceiling fans, be sure to turn those on for extra help.
You might also consider purchasing a cigarette smoke air purifier to help expedite the odor-removal process. If any of your rental property’s rooms feel particularly damp, a dehumidifier will aid in extracting any odors trapped in the moisture. Additionally, having your air ducts professionally cleaned will also be a major help in achieving a smoke-free scent throughout your rental.
2. Start at the top
After you have aired your rental property out, it’s time to begin washing your rental. Start by wiping the ceilings with the cleaner of your choice; you may need a ladder and an extra person or two to help you hold the ladder and clean the ceiling.
If you have smooth ceilings, you can wipe them down with a washcloth, while if you have popcorn ceilings, you can mist them with a spray bottle of cleaning solution. In addition to cleaning the ceiling, you should also sanitize the tops of the ceiling fans, if you have any.
3. From the windows to the walls.
Next, thoroughly clean all of the windows, coverings (blinds, curtains, etc.), and walls. Typically, you can use a cleaner of your choice when washing the walls and windows, but if your rental has a special kind of window or paint on the wall, you may want to do research on what kind of cleaner to use before you start.
To get rid of the smoke smell from blinds, you can wipe them down with a cleaner of your choice. For curtains, you can toss them in the laundry machine with detergent and laundry sanitizer. Again, if you have a particular kind of blinds or curtains, be sure to research what kind of cleaner to use before you start.
If the smell persists despite cleaning your windows, walls, blinds, and curtains, you may want to consider replacing your windows and window coverings, as well as repainting your walls and ceiling.
4. Deodorize carpets
An effective way to remove the smoke smell from your carpets and rugs is to sprinkle baking soda over the affected areas. Let the baking soda sit for 30 minutes to one hour before vacuuming. If the cigarette odor persists after you have vacuumed the carpet, consider renting a carpet cleaning machine, which can typically be found at your local hardware store, hiring professional carpet cleaners, or replacing your carpeting altogether.
5. Mop the floors
Once you've addressed your carpeting, it's time to focus on any hardwood or tile floors in your rental property. Begin by sweeping or vacuuming the floors to remove debris before mopping. Once you've cleared away all debris, proceed to mop the area using your chosen disinfectant. However, be sure to conduct research beforehand if you have special flooring to ensure you use an appropriate cleaner, minimizing the risk of additional damage. Swapping out the water in the bucket for clean, fresh water regularly will ensure that you aren’t spreading thirdhand smoke around. After completing the mopping, give your flooring plenty of time to dry before moving on to the next cleaning task.
6.Clean the counters and cabinets.
Cigarette smell can even get trapped on counters and the interior and exterior of cabinets! To get them clean, wipe down all cabinets and counters with a cleaning solution of your choice. Then, leave the cabinets and drawers open to air out and dry.
If the smoke odor persists after you’ve cleaned everything, try keeping bowls of dry coffee grounds or white vinegar in the offending cabinets or drawers for a few days to get rid of the smell.
Successfully eliminating the smell of cigarette smoke from your rental property requires diligence and a systematic approach. By carefully following the outlined steps, you can ensure a fresher and healthier environment for your future tenants.
Preventing Future Smoke Smells
Although it may be too late to save your current rental from thirdhand smoke, you can implement changes to reduce and even prevent these issues in the future. Here are several practical measures to prevent future smoke smells:
Include a "No-Smoking" provision in the lease agreement
A clearly defined no-smoking policy is the first line of defense against smoke odors. Outline this policy explicitly in your lease agreements, specifying that smoking is strictly prohibited inside the property. If you list your property on Apartments.com, you can create a lease with our Rental Tools platform, which easily fits your property and your standards. You can also add an addendum that informs tenants of your smoking policy. Remember, as a landlord, it is within your right to restrict activity that may damage your property.
Conduct regular inspections
Regular inspections are crucial in enforcing no-smoking policies and identifying any violations early on. Schedule these inspections quarterly or semi-annually. During these visits, look for signs of smoking, such as ashtrays or cigarette butts, and address any issues immediately. Documenting these inspections can also provide valuable records for addressing disputes.
Educate your tenants
Educating tenants about the risks associated with tobacco smoke and the importance of a smoke-free environment can foster compliance. You can use informational materials, such as this webinar from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to detail the health hazards of thirdhand smoke and the benefits of a smoke-free home. You should also highlight how smoke-free living contributes to better indoor air quality and fewer cleaning costs.
Designate outdoor smoking areas
If a complete indoor smoking ban is not feasible, designate specific outdoor smoking areas. Ensure these areas are well-ventilated and situated away from windows and doors of the rental property to prevent smoke from drifting back into the building. Also, be sure to provide appropriate disposal units to help manage waste responsibly.
By implementing these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce and even eliminate the presence of smoke odors in your rental property, creating a healthier and more attractive environment for future tenants.
All in all, the lingering smell of cigarette smoke in a rental property can be a significant deterrent for potential tenants, impacting the property's appeal, value, and the health of its occupants. However, with a systematic and diligent approach, you can effectively eliminate this stubborn odor, ensuring a fresh, inviting, and healthier environment for future tenants.
Furthermore, implementing preventative measures such as no-smoking policies, regular inspections, tenant education, and designated smoking areas can help maintain a smoke-free environment, which will not only help you attract tenants but also save you money in the long run.
