I have had a renter for about 1.5 years, and will loose him Oct 31. I have ample time to show the unit, and find a new renter, but he is a heavy smoker, and has really stunk the place up.

I'd like to be successful in renting it, but I'm fearful that when any prospect enters, they are going to be assaulted by the odor, and be less than interested.

I have two questions:

1. I'm toying with the idea of using a oder elimination product in the interim, until I can get the carpet professionally cleaned, and TSP'ing the walls and repainting. Any suggestions on a product?

2. Would it be reasonable for me to inform the tenant of the odor issue (didn't exist before he moved in), and give him a chance to clean it up, or I'll charge him for the cleaning?

BTW, I'll never rent to a smoker again...yuch!

Have you made any imrovements since the smoker moved in 15 years ago? Is the whole place shopworn and tired?

You may need to replace the carpet anyway instead of just cleaning it. Same for curtains, blinds, etc.

Cleaning and painting the walls and other surfaces is a start.

After you have done all of that, buy or RENT an electronic OZONATOR-- it is a form of air-cleaner and they have worked fantasticly in places where cleaning, painting, and shampooing just wont get it out.

Using a commercial quality ozone generator will help but not eliminate the odor. Your plan with TSP and repainting is IMO a good plan. I would seriously consider shooting a coat of pigmented primer on those walls. With regard to the carpet,use a professional carpet cleaner and let them know you want the smoke odor eliminated. In an extreme case, you may want to replace the psd.

If your lease did not prohibit smoking, you may be fighting an uphill battle to be compensated for getting rid of the smoke smell.

I do not rent to smokers, but have delt with a few rehabs with this problem. It's NASTY!

Bill [TX]

To Robert:

Not 15 years, 1.5 (One point five, 1 1/2).

To JJ:

I bought a house that a smoker had lived in for 16 years. I replaced the carpet and repainted everything. The windows were yellow with nicotine and had to be washed several times. Months later there was still a faint cigarette smell in the house. It turned out to be in the wood doors! I used 'Renuzit Odor Elimator' spray on all the wood doors and that seems to have finally taken care of the smell.