Chain smoking neighbor on downstairs porch? Smoke gets in my apartment when windows are open?

Question

Sorry about the repost, I just wanted to see if anyone else had any ideas for me. The situation is that there's this guy who lives in the apartment below me and he likes to smoke on his patio. Problem is when I have the windows open, smoke gets in my apartment. I do have an airconditioner but sometimes enjoy a breeze when it doesn't smell like smoke.

Me and my downstairs neighbor are both guys in our mid-twenties, and I don't want to offend him. I've never talked to him before, but he seems like a decent guy and I could imagine being friends with him, so long as he doesnt blow smoke in my face.

Me, I'm LDS (Mormon) and don't look to faviorably on smoking and just want to enjoy the little space I have without being assaulted by smoke.

Answer 1

I thought I answered this. The simple answer is to just close your window. Close the window and you won't be "assaulted by smoke" (?!!??)

You should give the guy a break, because he's addicted to cigarettes and needs a place to smoke. That place is his porch. Take that away from him and he'll be smoking inside which will make his apartment reek and could get in the air ducts where it will reach you anyway.

I really think the answer to this is to just make friends with the guy and let him help you loosen up. Hang out with him, even have a smoke with him. He's probably a good guy who just enjoys life.

Answer 2

Let me begin by saying, I am a non-smoker, too and I understand your dilemma. HOWEVER, smoking laws are getting so strict any more that the poor guys only sanctuary to smoke is his home. And he probably has a partner that won't allow smoking in the home. So, his only recourse is to smoke on the porch.

Realistically, you aren't going to be able to stop him from smoking, correct???? If you confront him aggressively all you'll end up with is a confrontational neighbor. Maybe if you go to him and explain your situation he'll be a good neighbor and stop smoking outdoors or he'll go somewhere else to smoke.

As I see it, you have 3 solutions... 1. Make him aware of the situation and if he's a nice enough guy he'll make some changes. He many not be aware of it. 2. When you open your window, place a box fan in the window facing OUT. That way it won't pull in any of the smoke from below. It'll just blow the stale air out. 3. You can always move. I'd try #1 first, then go to #2 as a last resort.

Good luck...

Answer 3

Depending upon how sensitive you are to tobacco , you could still be choked by it , even if you did close the window .
You might make friends with him first - before alerting him to the fact that his smoke is getting into your apartment . On the other hand - he may not necessarily like to smoke on the patio , but just doing so out of necessity because it bothers his room-mates . If that's the case , you won't have an easy time convincing him not to smoke there . If it helps you to close the window & use the AC in order to breathe better , by all means . You could move - but as long as you rent , you run the risk of moving into the same situation . Pray the guy quits smoking .

Answer 4

Sorry, your "space" is inside your apartment. If he smokes on his porch 24/7, then you need to move unless there are pollution laws in your area that he is violating. Too bad it has to be this way, but running your a/c sometimes and fresh air other times, you can't expect to control the outside environment and there are always pollutants and allergens around. Learn to live with it. I am a non-smoker.

You might also invest in large fan, and blow the air away from your apartment, which is what I'd do. I'd only mention the problem to the smoker if he mentioned the fan.

Answer 5

chain smoking neighbor downstairs porch smoke apartment windows open

Answer 6

Ultimately what you want to do is make your neighbor aware of your concerns, as that is the only way a resolution is possible. If your neighbor is a decent guy he will respect your position and will likely try to accomodate you, provided that you respect his position and try to accomodate him.

However, I would exercise caution in how you approach this. As a smoker (currently in the process of quitting), I have always tried since day one to be respectful of those who have chosen to not smoke, and I have always appreciated reciprocity from nonsmokers. However, smoking has come under such attack in recent years that many smokers are very touchy when a nonsmoker approaches them about it. So, in other words, do not try to convince him to stop smoking altogether - only he can make that choice - but rather frame it in a way that shows respect for his choice even though you dont agree with it while asking for respect from him regarding your desire to not breathe cigarette smoke. Basically, if you come across as self-righteous to him, your request will almost certainly be ignored. On the other hand, by showing respect and willingness to compromise, a resolution can be made that is mostly acceptable to the both of you. Probably along the lines of it is cool for him to smoke on his porch if your windows are closed but not if they are open, and you will not always have your windows open.
Also, keep in mind that nicotine addiction is extremely strong. Many in the medical community believe it to be harder to quit than heroin. The reason I mentioned before that I am in the process of quitting was to lend some credibility when I say that quitting smoking is hands-down the hardest endeavor I have ever undertook. Be sensitive to this with your neighbor - he may slip up once in a while and not have intended to disrespect you.

Good luck....

Answer 7

Most smokers I know are pretty aware of the fact that it annoys people, so maybe just approach him and ask him if he can smoke somewhere else, such as out the door or something. My experience is that most smokers are more understanding than non-smokers, so just have a chat to him and explain your position. Failing that, complain to the owner of the building, and close your windows.

Answer 8

Hey, I'm LDS too. Don't confront him because that would breed contention and the Holy Spirit can't work in an atmosphere of contention. Making friends with him is a good idea ... of course be a positive influence on him, don't let him be a bad influence on you. He's probably the type who smokes, drinks and "scores" with "chicks" according to the mental picture I have in my head.

He might think it's cool, but it's not. Best way to change him is to let the Holy Spirit do it. Give him a copy of the Book of Mormon, send the missionaries to his door, invite him to your ward or if he's not ready to come on a Sunday invite him to one of the cool acitivities always put on by singles wards.

You could help him clean up his life and introduce him to the Church. That would get rid of the second hand smoke problem and give him meaning to his life in one fell swoop.

Answer 9

I'm araid your going to have to just use the A/C and don't open windows. The guy has a right to smoke in his own space.--Sorry.

Answer 10

i think if he is smoking in a place that is directly affecting you inside your home then that isnt okay...i would (if you feel okay talking to him) tell him that the smoke comes into your window and you dont like the second hand smoke or smoke smell even maybe that it mkaes you feel sick (it does me!) and ask if he could smoke inside.. or maybe in the parking lot or sumthing
or.....
go to the apt management and see if anything can be done.. if all else fails and it relaly begins to get to you... you could maybe go to your doctor and get some sort of statement from him to give to your landlord and i think by law they have to take steps to accomidate your needs (basically telling him he cant smoke lol)