How to Designate a Smoke-Free Rental

These days many people are restricting smoking many places, rental properties are no exception. Though most smokers are careful, those who are not can be a liability for homeowners. While you cannot monitor your Tenants daily activities inside of the rental, you make your expectations known by advertising the property as 'non-smoking' and screen your Tenants accordingly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Advertise the property as a 'non-smoking' rental. This will, for the most part, eliminate applicants who are smokers and may appeal more to those who prefer a no-smoking living area.

2. Place a 'no smoking allowed' clause in the lease agreement and have the Tenant sign off on it. This will prohibit smoking inside the unit or in any particular area of the property. Violation of these terms will therefore result in penalty or eviction.

3. Designate a particular area for smoking; such as outdoors on the patio or porch. Take into consideration that if this is a multi-family property, the neighbor may not approve of smoking in such a close proximity to them.

4. While individuals who smoke are not considered a 'protected class', you may want to check with your local laws to ensure that there are no discrimination issues.