Cigarette Odor

[RCC]

My lease with tenant has non smoking in unit agreement. Now that we are close to the end of lease, I am smelling cigarette odor in my rented condo in Ontario.

What is the best action to take prior to tenant moving out?

Is there anything I can do after?

Also, can I get your recommendations for removing cigarette odors or any recommendations of companies in Ontario (GTA) who deal with removing cigarette odors?

 

[kfort]

Get any carpets cleaned and paint the walls. If it is intense, spray the ceiling too. All soft material like curtains etc will need good washing or replacement.



I would take note of any / all days you smelled the odor etc. and work up a rough estimate prior to their moving out. This will be deducted from the damage deposit. Document everything. If it is a multi unit property you can always drop a note explaining "there has been a complaint" etc and reminding them with direct reference to the section in the lease that forbids smoking.



Below is an example of a notice I recently had to give for the same reason.




Please also be advised that as per the Lease Agreement signed on August 27[sup]th[/sup], 2010 section 6, subsection 25 (6.25) all condo regulations must be adhered to. This includes, but is not limited to, the ban on smoking in the building. Below is section 6.25 as written in your Lease Agreement. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding this.





6.25 The Tenant covenants and agrees to abide by all condominium regulations, copies of which are hereunto attached forming part of this Lease Agreement.





Hope some of this helps!





EDIT: also, as per the ACRE system... do not show the property until you remove the "yuk". So, do not book viewings until after the stank is gone.

 

[dplummer]

Most restoration co's will have ozone or other simlar equipment that work great on odour removal.

Doug

 

[invst4profit]

In Ontario,since we are not permitted damage deposits, you must take the tenant to the board for damages. You will need to make the application before they terminate there lease as once a tenant is no longer a tenant you have no recourse.



Doubtful they will voluntarily pay damages so best to start the process immediately.



Get the work done and provide receipts to LTB as proof of costs . Filing fee is $170 which the tenant will also be responsible for paying if you are successful.



IF is the catch. In Ontario the LTB is very pro tenant and it is rare that a landlord wins any cases except in cases of non payment of rent.