I live in a condo. Can I ask my neighbor to stop smoking outside (all the smoke comes into my window)?

Question

These ladies always smoke to the left and under my window. I can't ever leave my windows open because they chain smoke and my condo would totally reek. Besides that, it's secondhand smoke. What should I do? I don't want to tick them off either.

Answer 1

Ask politely first.
If that doesn't work turn on a water sprinkler when they smoke.
Just as effective.

Answer 2

First, I'd give them the benefit of the doubt. They most likely don't realize the smoke is going into your windows and home. The next time you see them, try calling out a cheery greeting through your window to them. Be polite and upbeat. Get to know them a few days, then casually mention you're allergic to smoke and have to go so far as to keep the windows closed in order to keep the street smoke from coming in. If they're considerate, (and smart) they'll get the idea, and stop without any hard feelings being raised.

If you don't want to do this, or they don't appear to be the 'considerate' type, then you might go to the condo association/manager, whoever takes care of disputes (if you have one), and see if they will pass out a flyer mentioning smoking locations et, and how it directly affects those in other homes. This will at least make them aware of the issue, and cause the least amount of direct conflict between you.

Barring these ideas, you could just be direct with them and tell them yourself, but I've a feeling telling them directly to 'smoke elsewhere' may not come across as well, and may even backfire on you. Good luck!

Answer 3

I think I can help you with a unique solution that most people never would think of.
It is so simple that it is almost always overlooked. I sympathize with you because I can't tolerate the stink myself.
I have had expensive (necessary) dry cleaning bills for sweaters and jackets that I have had bad experiences from standing at a bar for less than a couple of minutes. Very aggravating!!
So.. This is my suggestion. Simply reverse the air-flow!!! And how do you do that?
Get yourself a good quality air unit that blows outward and away such as a small air-conditioning unit that does not allow any bad air to come in. Also consider getting an air-purifying unit for the inside rooms such that which is offered by companies such as Sharper Image.
Another solution if you're sure you don't want to"tick them off" as you say by saying something confrontational is to try this trick.
Go to your local plant nursery and find the most offensive cow manure or chicken stuff... you know what I mean and spread it around generously inside potted gardenias or some other potted flower plants of your own preference in a window flower box unit that installs just under your window and make sure that it accidentally on purpose falls around the area where the smoke is coming from. It won't take long for them to find another place to offend someone else.

Answer 4

It would be a good idea to look at your rental/lease agreement and read the rules that govern the activities in your complex. There are probably guidelines that restrict loitering/smoking/hanging out, especially near your window. It would be best if you could start by just asking politely for the person to smoke elsewhere. I'm a smoker, and so long as someone is NOT condescending, I will generally honor thier request. If the person is not willing to budge, you may need to contact the authorities at your complex. I would imagine you can just simply ask the person nicely, and they will comply. Remember to be very polite, as not to seem haughty or rude.

Answer 5

I think you need to check the condo contract you have with the association.
Have you talked to them? If not, I would explain that the smell of smoke makes you ill, and their smoke is coming in your window, please move. If they don't, then I would go to the condo association and have them address this issue. You should certainly be able to open a window without the smoke coming in. If the association won't back you up, I would talk to an attorney.

Answer 6

If you can't approach them, write them a note on a nice card, explain the situation such as the air currents in that particular location is wafting the air into your open window. Tell them it is doing to your condo what they avoiding in their condo by smoking outside. Suggest another location where they can go chain smoke.

Answer 7

Can you put a fan on? I mean when it's hot? Now, if it's cold that's a different story.

Tell them you have asthma, and you could die from the secondhand smoke.

Answer 8

Can you talk to someone in your condo association? Or maybe just a casual conversation with them where you mention how their smoke travels. Maybe they don't even know.

Answer 9

There are times when the best thing you can do is just be direct.
I would simply call out my window to them to please not smoke right there because all their smoke is coming in my house.
You don't have to be rude, just direct and up front.

Answer 10

You could try Propane. Hide a small propane bottle behind their chairs and turn it on just a little. When they light their cigarettes it should ignite and change how they think about smoking.

Answer 11

I would ask them politely to smoke somewhere else. If they refuse though I dont know what you could do. Perhaps a citronella bush would help.