How to compromise with smoking neighbors?

Question

I'm a non-smoker with allergies, and I live on the second floor of a two-story apartment building, and get along pretty well with all my neighbors.
The neighbor underneath me and next door to me both smoke cigarettes. I don't know if they smoke indoors (this may be against the rules), but a few times a week they smoke outside. If they smoke out back on the patio/balcony, it wafts in through my windows... If they smoke out front on the steps, it wafts in under my front door (there's a small gap that lets in both cold and smoke. It's not that I see them doing it... I'll be sitting in my home, even on the opposite side from where they are, and smell smoke and start looking around for what's burning until I remember to look outside.

Now, it's not fair to me that I have to inhale their unhealthy and smelly second-hand smoke, and that my home has to reek of their smell... but I know it's not fair to them to not let them smoke anywhere. Any ideas on how we can peacefully co-exist?

Answer 1

Honestly, I don't know what you can do. Are you truly allergic to smoke (i.e. when you smell it, you start coughing, eyes water, throat swells shut), or do you just dislike the smell of it? If it's the former, tell them this. If it's the latter, well, I don't think you have any choices. Maybe ask your landlord to fix the gap underneath your door (sounds like bad weather stripping), and maybe close your windows long enough for them to smoke, then open them back up when they've gone back inside.

Answer 2

I used to have this very same problem. The hitch is that the neighbors are doing absolutely nothing wrong.
If the smoke is truly causing you a problem then you could try explaining this to them and ask them to be considerate of your problem. This is what's called "appealing to their better nature." Unfortunately, they are not obligated to yield to it. Depending on the extent of the problem and their resistance, you might try speaking to the landlord and see if they can't move you or help you in some way.
That being said, if the problem is just that the smell of smoke is uncomfortable for you....and believe me I completely understand....then you may just have to tolerate it. Kinda like the old guy across the way who plays his TV too loud during the day, the moron who who takes up 2 spaces in the parking lot, or the folks 2 doors down who have that yappy dog you'd like to just strangle....
Thank goodness I moved out to the country!

Answer 3

I recommend getting a heavy duty air purifier. It's going to be hard to find any sort of compromise short of building a designated smoking structure. I have an Ionic Breeze by my door because I have similar allergies.

Answer 4

This can be a sticky situation. How about if you talk with them about nicely. Just mention perhaps if they don't smoke so close to the building. Sometimes you would be surprised if you are just truthful and sympathetic about it. They just may surprise you and understand how you feel too. Just don't badger them. I use to be a smoker and it is getting more difficult for smokers to smoke anywhere. Mention that in your discussion but also point out about your allergies etc. Good Luck!!

Answer 5

If they are in there own dueling and it isnt against there lease they can do what ever they want you could try to be nice when you ask but dont expect a good response smokers are getting tired of be told that they cant smoke any where any more and the one place they can your going to ask them to stop...good luck just be nice and hope for the best

Answer 6

No, there's no good way to ask them to stop. People are allowed to smoke in their own homes (and yes, most apartments fully allow smoking inside), and they are certainly allowed to smoke anywhere outside.

You should get the owner of the complex to increase weather proofing so less air gets in through your door/windows or ask for the permission to move to another apartment.

It may not be "fair," but what they are doing is perfectly legal and asking people you don't know to avoid smoking in their own home and under completely legal terms is not going to get you very good results.

Answer 7

There is likely a portion of the building outside where they can smoke without the smoke invading your apartment. Explore that option with them.

Answer 8

Just keep pulling the fire alarm or calling the fire department anytime you smell smoke. They'll get the idea, you won't get into trouble (better safe than sorry right?), and it may force the manager to address it. Most states have laws that you can't smoke within so many feet of a window, door or public building (an apartment complex is legally considered a public building but not a single apartment here in NM anyways) and a lot of states don't allow smoking inside apartments due to the risk of fire . You can ask them your question but use music or something instead of smoke. See what they say and then use that to tell them.

Answer 9

http://www.allkindsoffilters.com/home.html
You can't very well ask them to stop smoking outside. You're best bet is a home air filter. If it bothers you that much, you should have one anyway.

Answer 10

Put a towel under your door, and shut your windows. Or politely explain your allergies and see if they will walk away from your apartment when smoking.