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It is important you take all reasonable steps available to reduce the amount of smoke entering your unit. Based on a review of dispute resolution hearings, dispute resolution officers consider whether tenants have attempted to minimize the problem themselves before applying to the Residential Tenancy Branch. This could include such actions as blocking the source of the smoke, negotiating with the smoking tenant, and talking to your landlord, to name just a few. Here are some steps you might consider:
- If you feel comfortable, consider talking to your smoking neighbour. He or she might not realize that the smoke is a problem for you. Try to focus on solutions such as asking the neighbour to smoke outside, smoke in another area, close doors or windows, or seal the source of the smoke.
- Seek support from other neighbours in the building. They might be experiencing the same problem, and may be willing to talk to the landlord with you.
- Consider starting a petition that the building be designated as smoke-free. While the smoke may not personally affect others, your neighbours may be sympathetic and lend their support. The majority of renters in BC would prefer a smoke-free building. (See tenant survey)
- Seal the source of smoke such as electrical outlets and ceiling light fixtures
- Close windows and doors
- Weather-strip doors and around windows where possible
Fans, and air filters and purifiers will only mask the problem, but may show the landlord that you have tried to resolve the problem yourself
Visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website for useful tips on Solving Odour Transfer Problems in Your Apartment.
Go to the US Indoor Environmental Engineering website for information on how to reduce second-hand exposure in a multi-unit dwellings
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