My neighbors in the apartment downstairs smokes, and when they do my apartment fills up with cigarette smoke?

Question

What can I do? Do I talk to them or do I talk to the apartmen manager? It really sucks because I don't smoke yet I am the one who at 5 sometimes 4 am has to open my windows so that I can get the smoke smell out of my apartment, and I am the one who has to freeze. I am a college student in a city where apartments usually run 900+ for a one bedroom, and the one I am in now is 700 so moving is not really an option right now. I don't know if I should get a bunch of TB masks, or if I should get one of those air filters. Can I complain to the apartment manager? What should I do? Any suggestions would be helpful and much appreciated.

I should have said that the smoke doesn't come through the ventilation system, it comes through the dishwasher/garbage disposal. Ot always starts out int the kitchen. The complex is about 10 years old it was built in the 90s. That's what they told me when I moved in.

Answer 1

If it's coming in from the dishwasher or garbage disposal, tell your landlord. It could be something as simple as sealing/caulking a small hole in the floor where the hoses and pipes go through the floor or wall.

Answer 2

I would definately take it up with the apartment manager. File a complaint. See what they say.

Also, you could purchase an air filter. Make sure it meets hepa standards. I got one at walmart for $20 a few months ago because we got new windows that are much better at conserving heat. Didn't want to be breathing the same air over and over again while I slept. Maybe you could even get the landlord to pay for it if you save your receipt? Also, if you do live in the city it is probably not the best air anyway and at least in your apartment, a filter might well be in order to begin with.

I am very sorry that you are currently being forced to breathe in the smoke. Good luck with this.

Answer 3

If it is coming through the garbage disposal, put the plug in whenever you are not actively using the sink. As for the dishwasher, it shouldn't let anything out if it is closed and the seals are clean. Though you may need to run it for a minute before opening it (just enough to throw water throughout and settle the smoke.)

Also I agree that you should talk to the building manager.

Answer 4

You need to talk to the apartment manager. There shouldn't be any smoke coming from their apartment into yours. There must be a problem with the ventilation system. You need to bring this to the attention of the property manager as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could be at risk for more than just second hand smoke. Thank you and good luck.

Answer 5

No you do not have any legal rights in this situation. You should have asked about smoking before moving in. Seal the patio door with plastic and open a window somewhere else in the apartment where you cant smell it as much until you can afford to move out.

Answer 6

You have no recourse unless you live in a non smoking building, they have just as much right to smoke in their apartment just as you have the right not to smoke in yours.

place a fan backwards in your window, you will still get airflow but the smoke will not be drawn in.

I know is sucks, but your neighbor is partaking in a legal activity in his own home, there is nothing you can do.

Ok coming from the dishwasher/garbage disposal??

I would just call for a repair, that shouldn't be the case and is probably a fire hazard.

Answer 7

Move into a non-smoking building. They do exist although you will likely have to pay more. You get what you pay for.

There is no chance you will get him to stop. It is his right. However, you can try to talk with the apartment manager about doing something about the ventilation system as that shouldn't be happening wheather he smokes or not.

Answer 8

Something simple you can do is put wet towels over the vents and cracks where the smoke is leakng through. That's just a temporary solution. But you'll stay warm.

Answer 9

i have this problem right now as well. Check your lease/rental agreement and see if smoking is even allowed in your building. (chances are, it's not). If that's the case, talk to the building manager for SURE. I talked to my landlord and he posted signs saying smoking was not allowed. the problem has since subsided. If you're not that lucky, and you're not ballsy enough to go knock on their door, perhaps write them a letter (anonymously or not) asking them to please be considerate and smoke outside. Unless they are total jerks, it shouldn't be a problem...especially since they don't OWN the space, they are just renting.

Answer 10

Is the apartment that badly constructed? Is there no insulation between you? Yikes... Yes talk to the apt managers. Maybe they can put you... or them into another apt. Maybe you need to be on a lower floor, or they need to be upper. Call the health dept when your apt is so smokey you can't see the bathroom door.