How to prove we're non smokers?

dipperrrr

Hi!

Having a little panic. My partner and I are moving into a new rental property at the end of the month, but the agent just rang me to inform me that our Landlord check had failed, as he mentioned smoking.

My partner used to smoke but quit almost 4 months ago (very proud!). We obviously didn't inform our landlord of this - why would we?

I rang my landlord and he is angry at the agents for letting this get in the way of our referencing - he's going to talk to them and it shouldn't be a problem.

But I was wondering, if it comes to it, whether there is any test or any way we can prove to the agents that we're not smokers?

It's so frustrating to not be believed! And I'm really worried about everything falling through, we've been hunting for so long!

londonlydia

Note from your Dr? Probably would have to pay for it, usually in the region of £10-15.

BitterAndTwisted

Ask the agent how you should be expected to be able to prove a negative

girl_withno_name

Or ask them to prove a positive?

Cheeky_Monkey

Tell the LA that if they provide the carbon monoxide testing machine, you'll happily give it a blow :eek:

Zorz_2

Breathe into their face? Just a thought!

It's easy to spot a smoker, the smell of their clothes and breath is a sure tell-tale...

[Deleted User]

Yep the carbon monoxide testing would do it. See if your GP practice has a smoking cessation clinic. They will do the test for your partner and u might be able to ask for a letter from them verifying neither you nor your partner smoke (you'd have to do the same test maybe).

I'd also go to the LA u are dealing with and ask if that is sufficient proof that your landlord is out of date and try and get their help (not shouting at them etc) to settle any concerns the prospective landlord has.

theartfullodger

Daft. As bonkers as trying to prove the existance (or not) of god or fairies..

I don't think btw landlord can refuse smokers: think he can only insist on no smoking on/in property.. otherwise 'uman rights & all that...

anselld

theartfullodger wrote: »

I don't think btw landlord can refuse smokers: think he can only insist on no smoking on/in property.. otherwise 'uman rights & all that...

LL could not use smoking as grounds for eviction, but there is nothing legally preventing LL refusing to grant tenancy to smokers.

dipperrrr

Thanks for all your replies!

I think it's going to be ok now - I sent the LA an email saying we would do whatever necessary to prove to them that we're not smokers, including going to their office and letting them smell us...! If it continues going to the doctors is a good plan.

It is ridiculous, I think I understand why smoking is not allowed in rental properties as I believe it has something to do with getting cheaper insurance if you have no smoking in the house, and if you were a terribly negligent smoker who accidentally burnt the place down then there would be no compensation... but as long as any visitors who smoke do it in the garden then all is fine!

What a pa-lava. Renting is stressful enough, I dread to think how stressful buying a place is!

pinkteapot

It's not to do with insurance. It's because properties occupied by smokers smell of smoke, if they smoke indoors. It's unavoidable and incredibly hard to get rid of. Landlords don't want to have to redecorate and change the carpets after every tenant to get rid of smoke smells.

Hope it gets sorted. Buying isn't as stressful - no-one cares if you smoke or not.