Tenants complaining of smoke smell

marshall666

Annie1960 wrote: »

Either fix the problem, or release them from their contract.

If you don't fix the problem, the risk is that your next tenants will also find the smell a problem.

The issue is that we don't consider it an actual problem; neither of us smoke and if we thought it smelled of smoke, we would have sorted it before letting! They are just hyper sensitive as far as we can tell

G_M

Try cutting an onion (or onions) in half and leaving them in the affected rooms. They absorbe smells.

But ultimately new carpets and re-painting.

You could wash your hands (:rotfl: ) of the problem, but expect the tenants to leave as soon as the fixed term expires. And the next tenants are likely to have the same problem.

You could fix the problem and keep your property well-maintained, and your tenants happy.

You could compromise by doing the carpets and giving permission (and materials?) for the tenants to re-paint (approved colour scheme!).

onlyroz

I was given a chair by a smoker and after seven months it *still* reeks of smoke. If the problem is genuine then professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, followed by repapering and painting *should* solve the problem. Of course it's a possibility that the tenants are just trying it on hoping to get a free refurb.

Eejay

If they are keeping the door shut, the smell will probably be even worse when they open it. I hope they've at least opened the window in there.

I wonder if being so honest with them was the mistake. Maybe there's a slight whiff of it, but because they know what the cause is they're kind of unconsciously exaggerating the smell if you see what I mean.

Personally, for the sake of an easy life I think I would probably redecorate that room, and if they still moan afterwards then tell them they can leave. Unless they are hoping that they can persuade you to reduce the rent because they reckon they've only got one 'usable' bedroom...

TBagpuss

I think that the smell may well be much more noticable to someone living in the house to to someone popping in briefly. The smell of old smoke is *very* pervasive and had to get rid of.

That said, I don't think that this is something which they are entitled to expect you to 'fix' or that they would be entitled to break the lease early.

In your position, I would aim for a compromise - for instance, let them know that while you don't consider that there is significant problem or that the room is not usable, you have taken on board their concerns and taken all reasonable steps to address these.

Let them know that you would be willing to agree to them painting the room if they wish to do so, subject to them picking a neutral colour and to the painting to be to a good standard.

Alternatively, you could offer to release them from the tenancy subject to their meeting the costs of readvertising. (or whatever you feel is appropriate given the additional costs you will incur)

have you actually asked them what they want?

xylophone

It's only one room! How much would a couple of cans of paint and a basic carpet cost?

GolfFoxtrot

If the smoker was a heavy smoker simply re-painting won't do it. You usually need to seal the walls first otherwise smells / staining will just escape out. You can buy zinsser primer to seal the walls before re-painting but it's expensive.

We bought our house from a smoker and after a few moths you can't smell it too much anymore but it was hard work getting rid of the smell, especially from the bathroom!

xylophone

after a few moths you can't smell it too much

You used mothballs?:rotfl:

xylophone

If the smoker was a heavy smoker

From what the OP says, the walls in the room are not stained - it would appear that it was used as a greenhouse rather than as a smoking room?

It may be that the smell is more to do with the carpets/walls having become damp or mildewed at some stage?

outofmoney

We stayed in a lodge last year and although we could smell stale smoke on arrival it was not too bad. However once we started moving about in the property and using the sofa etc the smell really came out.

It could be possible that the smell is getting worse because they are walking about on the carpet and the smell is coming out.

I would go with repainting and either deep cleaning or renewing the carpet. If it is floorboards you may find the smell has impregnated them too.