The cost of cigarette smoke damage for your rental property

Managing rental properties is no small feat. As a property manager you will constantly be balancing maintenance, resident satisfaction, and profitability. 

Among the challenges faced, cigarette smoke damage is one of the biggest concerns. It can lead to extensive and costly repairs and impact the health and comfort of future residents, leading to potential revenue losses and extended downtimes.

In this article, we’ll explore the real costs associated with cigarette smoke damage in rental properties. We'll walk you through the physical signs of smoke damage, the hidden dangers of third-hand smoke, and, most importantly, how proactive measures with Minut can save property managers time and money.

What are the signs of cigarette smoke damage?

Cigarette smoke damage is not always immediately visible, but it leaves unmistakable marks on your property over time. Here are some telltale signs:

• Lingering smells: The smell of cigarettesan permeate walls, carpets, furniture, and HVAC systems, making it difficult to eliminate without professional cleaning.
• Cigarette stains: Yellowish-brown stains on walls, ceilings, and around windows are clear indicators of smoke damage. These stains can be particularly stubborn and often require repainting or replacing affected surfaces.
• Discoloration on surfaces: Surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and fixtures can get discolored by cigarette smoke—affecting both the aesthetic appeal of your property and reducing its market value.
• Residue and tar buildup: Over time, cigarette smoke can leave behind a sticky residue and tar, which can accumulate on surfaces and within ventilation systems. This buildup is not only not nice to look at, but can also pose health risks.

Why is third-hand smoke a problem?

Even after a smoking resident has vacated the property, the dangers of cigarette smoke linger on. Third-hand smoke refers to the residual chemicals left by tobacco smoke that settle on surfaces and dust. These toxins can remain for months, posing a health risk to future residents.

There are also risks associated with third-hand smoke:

• Health hazards: The chemicals in third-hand smoke, such as nicotine, formaldehyde, and carcinogens, can be harmful, especially to children and individuals with preexisting health conditions. These substances can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems.
• Persistent contamination: Third-hand smoke clings to surfaces, including walls, furniture, and flooring. It can even embed itself in soft furnishings and fabrics, making thorough cleaning a challenge.
• Reduced appeal: The presence of third-hand smoke can make your property less appealing to potential residents, leading to longer vacancies and loss of rental income. Many residents are increasingly aware of the health risks associated with smoke residue and may avoid properties where smoking was previously allowed.

What can cigarette smoke damage cost you?

Cigarette smoke damage can have heavy financial implications for property managers and landlords. These costs come in various forms, including diminished property value, lost rental income, and substantial cleaning and restoration expenses.

Below is a breakdown to help you understand where the costs come from, so that you can make informed decisions to protect your investment..

Impact on property value

The presence of cigarette smoke damage can severely impact the value of a rental property. Prospective buyers and residents are increasingly aware of the health risks associated with smoke residue, leading to a decrease in demand for properties where smoking was allowed.

Properties with a history of smoking are more likely to experience a decline in market value— some studies indicate this reduction could reach 35-40%. This has likely been driven by the increasing awareness of the health risks associated with third-hand smoke, and the implementation of stricter smoke-free environment regulations.

Cleaning and restoration costs

Restoring a rental property after cigarette smoke damage is neither simple nor cheap. The extent of cleaning and restoration required depends on the level of smoking that occurred within the property.

Here's a breakdown of the potential costs:

• Professional cleaning services: Specialized cleaning services are often required to thoroughly eliminate smoke odor and residue. Depending on the size of the property and the severity of the damage, these services can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000.
• Replacing damaged items: Smoke can permeate and damage various household items. Common replacements include:
  • Flooring: Carpets often need to be replaced, and depending on the area and quality, this will cost between $1,500 and $5,000.
  • Countertops and appliances: Smoke can stain and damage surfaces, requiring replacements that could total $2,000 to $10,000.
  • Soft furnishings: Upholstered furniture and drapes may need to be replaced, adding another $1,000 to $3,000 to the bill.
• Resealing and repainting: Walls and ceilings often need to be resealed and repainted to eliminate smoke stains and odors. This process can cost between $1,200 and $4,500.
• HVAC system cleaning or replacement: Smoke particles can infiltrate the HVAC system, necessitating a thorough cleaning or even replacement. This can cost between $300 and $1,200 for cleaning and up to $6,000 for replacement.

Legal and financial implications

The legal aspects of dealing with smoke damage are increasingly relevant as awareness of the dangers of secondhand and third-hand smoke grows. 

Property managers and landlords may face lawsuits from subsequent residents who experience health issues due to residual smoke. In multi-unit housing, secondhand smoke can seep into adjacent units, potentially leading to disputes or legal actions from neighbors exposed to smoke. Recent studies from the CDC showed that around 34% of residents in smoke-free units in multiunit housing reported involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke from neighboring units or common areas​

Property managers and landlords may also face fines or penalties if they fail to comply with local regulations regarding smoke-free housing. As more jurisdictions implement stricter smoke-free laws, the financial and reputational risks of not addressing smoke damage properly are increasing.

Factors that influence cost

The cost of treating cigarette smoke damage varies widely depending on multiple factors:

• Severity of damage: The level of smoking, frequency, and duration significantly impact the extent of the damage. Properties that have experienced heavy smoking will typically require more extensive and expensive treatment.
• Accessibility of damaged areas: Some areas, such as ducts or behind walls, may be challenging to access and clean. This can increase labor costs and may necessitate specialized equipment.
• Property size: Larger properties naturally require more resources and time to clean and restore—the costs scale with the size of the affected area.
• Type of treatment: Different treatments vary in effectiveness and cost. Some standard methods include:
  • Ozone treatment: This involves using ozone generators to neutralize odors and can cost between $300 to $600 per treatment session.
  • Thermal fogging: A process that uses a heated solution to penetrate and neutralize odors. Depending on the property size, this can cost between $200 to $500.
  • Duct treatment: Smoke particles can accumulate in HVAC systems, requiring specialized duct cleaning or replacement. This can range from $300 for cleaning to several thousand dollars for replacement.
• Material and furnishing replacement: Depending on the materials used in the property, some, such as carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture, may be more susceptible to absorbing smoke and may require replacement.

How to avoid cigarette smoke damage

While preventing cigarette smoke damage is easier said than done, it is possible if you’re proactive Here are several strategies to minimize the risk of smoke damage:

1. Implement no-smoking policies

A clear no-smoking policy is the first line of defense against cigarette smoke damage. This policy should be explicitly stated in rental agreements and lease contracts. It should outline the rules regarding smoking within the property and common areas and include consequences for violations.

‍Make sure to:

• Communicate clearly: Ensure residents are fully aware of the no-smoking policy from the outset. This can be emphasized during property viewings, within the lease agreement, and through visible signage in common areas.
• Detail consequences: Clearly define the penalties for violating the policy, such as fines or eviction. This helps deter residents from smoking on the premises.

2. Require security deposits and smoke damage fees

Another effective strategy is collecting a security deposit covering potential smoke damage. This deposit should cover the costs of cleaning, repainting, or replacing items damaged by smoke. You should also consider including a clause in the lease that holds residents financially responsible for any smoke-related damage that exceeds the security deposit.

3. Conduct regular inspections

So long as you provide your residents notice, it is very common for landlords and property managers to inspect their residential properties. These inspections can help identify any signs of smoking early on, allowing for timely intervention before significant damage occurs. 

Where cigarette smoke is concerned, your inspections should include:

• Visual checks: Look for cigarette stains, ash, or other signs of smoking.
• Odor detection: Note any persistent smoke odors, which may indicate non-compliance with the smoking policy.

4. Install a cigarette smoke detector

One of the most proactive measures to prevent cigarette smoke damage is to install a cigarette smoke detector, like Minut. Minut detects the presence of cigarette smoke early, alerting you with real-time notifications before the smoke causes significant damage. 

Minut helps prevent cigarette smoking with features including:

• Real-time alerts: Receive notifications if cigarette smoke is detected, allowing for quick action to address the issue.
• Historical data: Access data on smoking events to help enforce no-smoking policies and address resident concerns.
• Multi-unit monitoring: Monitor multiple units simultaneously, making it easier to manage large, multifamily properties.
• Privacy-safe monitoring: Minut doesn’t record any sound or visuals, so your residents can rest easy knowing your monitoring device doesn’t compromise their privacy.

Over 50,000 property managers use Minut to detect cigarette smoke, monitor noise levels and occupancy rates, and keep their multifamily community happy. 

Minut in action: How the 6PM team uses Minut to create a smoke-free, peaceful environment in Hilton hotels

6PM Hospitality Partners wanted to be proactive in preventing cigarette smoke. As leaders in the hospitality industry, the company needed to ensure the solution they found would be privacy-safe for guests of its partner hotels, including Hilton. 

Using Minut, the team was able to monitor noise, occupancy, and cigarette smoke in individual rooms without recording, enabling Hilton Hotel and 6PM to reduce cigarette smoke damage to furnishings, uphold no-smoking policies, and reduce complaints.

“Minut has been instrumental in quickly identifying smoking incidents, allowing us to take immediate action and helping us reduce the associated costs. As a brand, we want our partner hotels to give a 5-star experience, and Minut helps us to ensure that."

- Project Manager at 6PM

Read 6PM’s full story

Protect your property while maintaining a clean, safe home for residents

Cigarette smoke damage can severely impact rental properties, leading to expensive repairs and reduced resident satisfaction. Implementing strict no-smoking policies, conducting regular inspections, and understanding the signs of smoke damage are important steps in preserving property value.

By proactively addressing these issues, and investing in cigarette smoke detectors like Minut, property managers can protect their investments, minimize legal risks, and ensure a healthy living environment for all residents.

Ready to find out why property managers around the world trust Minut to protect their properties from cigarette smoke and safeguard their investments? Book a demo, we'd love to discuss how we can help you.

Frequently asked questions about cigarette smoke damage

1. Does renter’s insurance cover smoke damage?

Typically, renter's insurance covers smoke damage caused by sudden and accidental events. However, damage due to long-term smoking may not be covered, so it's important to check the specific terms of your policy.

2. How do you get rid of cigarette smell in a rental house?

To eliminate cigarette odor, start with thorough cleaning of all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and carpets. Use odor-neutralizing products, such as vinegar or baking soda, and consider professional cleaning services. sing Minut's real-time cigarette-smoke detector can also help prevent smoking in the first place.

3. Does cigarette smoke ruin a house?

Yes, cigarette smoke can cause significant damage to a house. It can stain walls, ceilings, and furniture, permeate HVAC systems, and leave a lingering odor that is difficult to remove. Long-term exposure can reduce property value and necessitate expensive repairs and replacements.

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