Smoking Neighbours

kayemme

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So you're thinking that you have the right to move to an area where another person is established and attempt to change their environment by force?

That's not equal rights.

Who said anything about using force?

well, you are calling the landlord instead of just talking with him... that's kinda forceful. just sayin'

RainHoward

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So you're thinking that you have the right to move to an area where another person is established and attempt to change their environment by force?

That's not equal rights.

No NO No NO No you just don't understand, the only person with rights that matter is her/him.

ering

I'm sorry you have to put up with that. I too get really sick around smoke. It makes me nauseated, gives me headaches, and makes it hard to breathe. While yes the guy smoking downstairs has the right to smoke, you also have the right to breathe clean air. That fact seems to get lost on a lot of people. They get defensive and complain if you say or do anything about their "right" to smoke but heaven forbid you should try to excercise your right to clean air. Some of the previous posters fall into that catagory. LIke the rude people who stand right in front of the doors to places of business. They want to get that last little puff before going in, and end up blowing it right in someone else's face who is walking by. Gross!! They couldn't care less about other people, it's all about their rights.

I don't think talking directly to this guy will help anything. He'll probably just blow it up to your apartment more. I would keep on your landlord and see what they can do about it. Second hand smoke has been proven to be hazardous and even deadly, surely they can see why you'd want it to stop. If they can't do anything about him, insist they let you trade apartments. Get your doctor to write a letter if you have to. You could try puting the fan pointing out of the window, or maybe an air purifier could help. If all else fails move, or learn to keep your windows shut. I hope it gets better for you soon!!

channel11

Unfortunately I also learned early that some people on here are not supportive or objective which is a shame but just ignore them. You are not overeacting. I would probably move because I too get the physical reactions you are experiencing. I hope there is something in your lease that will be helpful, even if it's the move to another apartment....but consider, if you do have to pack up and move anyway, maybe consider a new building altogether. For me I would talk with the neighbour and see if you can come up with something but only if you absolutely LOVE your place otherwise start looking and move asap. Good luck :ohwell:

chivalryder

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So you're thinking that you have the right to move to an area where another person is established and attempt to change their environment by force?

That's not equal rights.

Who said anything about using force?

well, you are calling the landlord instead of just talking with him... that's kinda forceful. just sayin'

The landlord can't/won't do anything. In fact, the law cannot do anything to the tenant living in that apartment. It CAN do something with the landlord and my living arrangement.

kayemme

i'm so glad most of you aren't my neighbors. haha! i'd so much prefer someone just talk with me directly than calling the landlord on me. there's no need for it, if you approach it like an adult.

erinxo13

Wow some people on here are just rude.
I'm really sorry that's happening to you, I wouldn't have even thought of that problem if I was moving into an appt with a balcony. I feel your pain, I have horrible sensitivity when it comes to cigarettes... I hope it gets resolved soon.

RainHoward

Wow some people on here are just rude.
I'm really sorry that's happening to you, I wouldn't have even thought of that problem if I was moving into an appt with a balcony. I feel your pain, I have horrible sensitivity when it comes to cigarettes... I hope it gets resolved soon.

So true, a tenant expecting to be relocated to another unit because they can't manage to close a window is very rude.

chivalryder

Wow some people on here are just rude.
I'm really sorry that's happening to you, I wouldn't have even thought of that problem if I was moving into an appt with a balcony. I feel your pain, I have horrible sensitivity when it comes to cigarettes... I hope it gets resolved soon.

So true, a tenant expecting to be relocated to another unit because they can't manage to close a window is very rude.

Expecting someone to live an a building without ever opening a window is like telling someone to walk to work in the rain without an umbrella or rain coat. Would you like to live an entire year of your life without ever opening a window, especially when the weather is absolutely gorgeous outside?

roachhaley

Oh gosh I hate that feeling! Your throat gets so irritated and the smell is just stuck in your nose.

Have you just considered getting an ionic breeze, they work great on filtering out smoke (grill smoke I tried)

I would love to get something like that, but being a college student I cannot afford a $400 air filter. I've got $10000 I need to save up for my last few months before I graduate.

He was living there first. There are steps she can take to prevent the smoke from entering. She should have done her due diligence.

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So your right to comfort overrides his right to comfort? Sounds legit. Not sure you know what equal rights mean.

baycat107

I'm sorry you're in this situation. That must be so frustrating. Personally, I'd talk to him, or keep my windows closed. Cigarette smoke is so irritating, and I am not asthmatic or super-sensitive. I couldn't live in a place where a neighbor is polluting the air in my home. But, he probably doesn't even realize it's happening. Hope you find a solution you both can live with.

chivalryder

Oh gosh I hate that feeling! Your throat gets so irritated and the smell is just stuck in your nose.

Have you just considered getting an ionic breeze, they work great on filtering out smoke (grill smoke I tried)

I would love to get something like that, but being a college student I cannot afford a $400 air filter. I've got $10000 I need to save up for my last few months before I graduate.

He was living there first. There are steps she can take to prevent the smoke from entering. She should have done her due diligence.

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So your right to comfort overrides his right to comfort? Sounds legit. Not sure you know what equal rights mean.

Second hand smoke isn't entirely about comfort, it's about health and well being. That **** kills. It's already illegal to smoke in or near public buildings. Municipalities are allowed to make it illegal to smoke in community buildings (i.e. apartment buildings). Two communities in Canada have passed such a law already. It's only a matter of time before the entire country follows suit.

kayemme

Wow some people on here are just rude.
I'm really sorry that's happening to you, I wouldn't have even thought of that problem if I was moving into an appt with a balcony. I feel your pain, I have horrible sensitivity when it comes to cigarettes... I hope it gets resolved soon.

I agree, though, I might be on the other side. I don't disagree that the smoke is bothering her. What I don't understand is why she doesn't feel confident/ comfortable enough to just talk with the guy about it. If she approaches him kindly, it shouldn't be a problem: she can stay, he can smoke, everybody wins!

But to love your apartment and be willing to give it up because you can't be adult enough to talk with your neighbor, well, that's just weird. Maybe it's that "United States Independence", but I always thought quite highly of Canada and Canadians. In fact, I've always thought of Canadians as being so much more communicative than us... but a little bit of everybody is everywhere.

I've been a renter for-EVER, and have always had remarkable relationships with my neighbors with exception of two I can think of who were kind of awful people. All anyone ever has to do is approach me as an adult with respect for not only me, but for themselves and we can come to an agreement. I believe this is how most people are.

True, if the OP came to me all whiny and complaining, I might think "drama queen" and blow her off. But if she came to me and said, "hey, this is an issue for me... I'm especially sensitive can we work something out?" I'd be all for it. And probably her neighbor would be also, but nobody would know that because nobody has talked with him.

Our former neighbor would constantly go to our landlords about the most insanely minute things. By the end of her stay here, we couldn't care less what happened to her. We wished her to be happy, sure, but we don't care if she is or not, you know? The way I see it is she is a miserable person and she has the right to be miserable, but she doesn't have to do it next to me.

And it's a similar situation because we've lived here for a very long time and she was new. She made our lives unbelievably uncomfortable for far too long when it was completely avoidable by just communicating without being a jerk.

roachhaley

Oh gosh I hate that feeling! Your throat gets so irritated and the smell is just stuck in your nose.

Have you just considered getting an ionic breeze, they work great on filtering out smoke (grill smoke I tried)

I would love to get something like that, but being a college student I cannot afford a $400 air filter. I've got $10000 I need to save up for my last few months before I graduate.

He was living there first. There are steps she can take to prevent the smoke from entering. She should have done her due diligence.

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So your right to comfort overrides his right to comfort? Sounds legit. Not sure you know what equal rights mean.

Second hand smoke isn't entirely about comfort, it's about health and well being. That **** kills. It's already illegal to smoke in or near public buildings. Municipalities are allowed to make it illegal to smoke in community buildings (i.e. apartment buildings). Two communities in Canada have passed such a law already. It's only a matter of time before the entire country follows suit.

That's a super cool story, but seeing as it's not illegal yet you don't really have much you can do about it. Next time you move into an apartment, check out the other tenants first.

whierd

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So you're thinking that you have the right to move to an area where another person is established and attempt to change their environment by force?

That's not equal rights.

Who said anything about using force?

Secondly, I never once said that the smoker had to do anything at all. Yes, it would be great if we could make smoking illegal, and kick him out of his apartment so I can live here in the comfort of my own home, but that's not about to happen. the best shot I've got is convincing the guy to go smoke on the public patio, instead of his apartment, but I wouldn't count on that happening. I just wish I could move out without and financial consequences, and manage to find a place that is equally as nice, without the damn smoking.

Man, you're quick to make assumptions.

Attempting to have your landlord contact the management company to "do something" is initiating force. Using your complaint to relocate or bust the lease because you can't close a window when you smell smoke is silly.

chivalryder

Oh gosh I hate that feeling! Your throat gets so irritated and the smell is just stuck in your nose.

Have you just considered getting an ionic breeze, they work great on filtering out smoke (grill smoke I tried)

I would love to get something like that, but being a college student I cannot afford a $400 air filter. I've got $10000 I need to save up for my last few months before I graduate.

He was living there first. There are steps she can take to prevent the smoke from entering. She should have done her due diligence.

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So your right to comfort overrides his right to comfort? Sounds legit. Not sure you know what equal rights mean.

Second hand smoke isn't entirely about comfort, it's about health and well being. That **** kills. It's already illegal to smoke in or near public buildings. Municipalities are allowed to make it illegal to smoke in community buildings (i.e. apartment buildings). Two communities in Canada have passed such a law already. It's only a matter of time before the entire country follows suit.

That's a super cool story, but seeing as it's not illegal yet you don't really have much you can do about it. Next time you move into an apartment, check out the other tenants first.

Did you even read this thread? By law, there isn't anything I can do with the tenant directly, but there is plenty I can do with the landlord/firm that manages this building.

whierd

If a neighbor approached me about something I was doing to cause them discomfort and I could reasonably.accomidate them, I'd do it gladly.

roachhaley

Oh gosh I hate that feeling! Your throat gets so irritated and the smell is just stuck in your nose.

Have you just considered getting an ionic breeze, they work great on filtering out smoke (grill smoke I tried)

I would love to get something like that, but being a college student I cannot afford a $400 air filter. I've got $10000 I need to save up for my last few months before I graduate.

He was living there first. There are steps she can take to prevent the smoke from entering. She should have done her due diligence.

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So your right to comfort overrides his right to comfort? Sounds legit. Not sure you know what equal rights mean.

Second hand smoke isn't entirely about comfort, it's about health and well being. That **** kills. It's already illegal to smoke in or near public buildings. Municipalities are allowed to make it illegal to smoke in community buildings (i.e. apartment buildings). Two communities in Canada have passed such a law already. It's only a matter of time before the entire country follows suit.

That's a super cool story, but seeing as it's not illegal yet you don't really have much you can do about it. Next time you move into an apartment, check out the other tenants first.

Did you even read this thread? By law, there isn't anything I can do with the tenant directly, but there is plenty I can do with the landlord/firm that manages this building.

You can also close your window. That would be much easier. Or, like, talk to the dude, instead of trying to get the landlord involved.

Laces_0ut

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

if everything is so wonderful "up there" then why are you having this problem?

kayemme

Did you even read this thread? By law, there isn't anything I can do with the tenant directly, but there is plenty I can do with the landlord/firm that manages this building.

There's a law that prevents you from talking with your neighbors?

chivalryder

I realize that in the land of the "free," everyone is allowed to walk all over everyone else, and "first come-first serve" is how things work, but up here, where everyone has equal rights, it doesn't matter if the guy smoking were the pope, I still have the right to live in a comfortable environment, windows open or closed.

So you're thinking that you have the right to move to an area where another person is established and attempt to change their environment by force?

That's not equal rights.

Who said anything about using force?

Secondly, I never once said that the smoker had to do anything at all. Yes, it would be great if we could make smoking illegal, and kick him out of his apartment so I can live here in the comfort of my own home, but that's not about to happen. the best shot I've got is convincing the guy to go smoke on the public patio, instead of his apartment, but I wouldn't count on that happening. I just wish I could move out without and financial consequences, and manage to find a place that is equally as nice, without the damn smoking.

Man, you're quick to make assumptions.

Attempting to have your landlord contact the management company to "do something" is initiating force. Using your complaint to relocate or bust the lease because you can't close a window when you smell smoke is silly.

Yeah, because we all want to live in a cocoon for the rest of our lives.

What's the point in closing a window is the smoke is already in my apartment?

I imagine your next comment would be to tell me to never open my window. I'm sure I would enjoy living in a bubble just as much as you would.

RainHoward

Wow some people on here are just rude.
I'm really sorry that's happening to you, I wouldn't have even thought of that problem if I was moving into an appt with a balcony. I feel your pain, I have horrible sensitivity when it comes to cigarettes... I hope it gets resolved soon.

So true, a tenant expecting to be relocated to another unit because they can't manage to close a window is very rude.

Expecting someone to live an a building without ever opening a window is like telling someone to walk to work in the rain without an umbrella or rain coat. Would you like to live an entire year of your life without ever opening a window, especially when the weather is absolutely gorgeous outside?

If I was as obviously offended by the odors coming in it as you seem to be, why yes, I would. Or I'd use an exhaust fan. Or I'd light some candles. Or I'd stick an air filter in the window. Or I'd simply move.

whierd

Did you even read this thread? By law, there isn't anything I can do with the tenant directly, but there is plenty I can do with the landlord/firm that manages this building.

There's a law that prevents you from talking with your neighbors?

The OP isnt telling the whole story. I.can't accept someone being unneccessarily unreasonable.when they claim to love their new place.

MaryJane_8810002

Oh gosh I hate that feeling! Your throat gets so irritated and the smell is just stuck in your nose.

Have you just considered getting an ionic breeze, they work great on filtering out smoke (grill smoke I tried)

I would love to get something like that, but being a college student I cannot afford a $400 air filter. I've got $10000 I need to save up for my last few months before I graduate.

No no no Im sorry! They sell generic ones for like $30-$60 bucks. Thats what we had.

chivalryder

Did you even read this thread? By law, there isn't anything I can do with the tenant directly, but there is plenty I can do with the landlord/firm that manages this building.

There's a law that prevents you from talking with your neighbors?

Perhaps I should have added the words "to prevent him from smoking on his balcony." Sure, I can talk to him, but he won't have to stop smoking there, regardless of what I say or do.

kayemme

Secondly, I never once said that the smoker had to do anything at all. Yes, it would be great if we could make smoking illegal, and kick him out of his apartment so I can live here in the comfort of my own home, but that's not about to happen. the best shot I've got is convincing the guy to go smoke on the public patio, instead of his apartment, but I wouldn't count on that happening. I just wish I could move out without and financial consequences, and manage to find a place that is equally as nice, without the damn smoking.

Man, you're quick to make assumptions.

sounds like you're kinda quick to make assumptions. you haven't even talked with the guy and you've already assumed he won't be sensitive to your concerns.

baycat107

And if you have to approach the landlord, then by all means, bring up the health issues brought on by second hand smoke. The smoker has the right to compromise his health, but he does NOT have the right to endanger you. Surely they would allow you to move under these circumstances. Good luck.

IronSmasher

It's interesting how it's ok to give other people cancer.

I've never seen a lease where tenants are permitted to smoke in the property.

christine24t

If a neighbor approached me about something I was doing to cause them discomfort and I could reasonably.accomidate them, I'd do it gladly.

I have disagreed with what you've written for the most part in this thread, but I agree with this. For example, when I moved into my apartment, the neighbor's had three kids. The mother told me, "if we're ever loud let me know and we'll try to keep it down." A situation never arose but it was nice that she said it.

And I would go with the assumption that the neighbor will be nice, rather than rude.

whierd

Did you even read this thread? By law, there isn't anything I can do with the tenant directly, but there is plenty I can do with the landlord/firm that manages this building.

There's a law that prevents you from talking with your neighbors?

Perhaps I should have added the words "to prevent him from smoking on his balcony." Sure, I can talk to him, but he won't have to stop smoking there, regardless of what I say or do.

So that means don't bother and immediately place the burden on your landlord?