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Smoking &
Your Vacation Rental
by Robin
Fowler
It’s a bad habit,
but plenty of people still do it. Smokers rental
vacation properties, too. And they might want to smoke
in your vacation rental, if you let them. But should
you?
Smoking is still a pretty common habit, and one that
people are pretty passionate about. When it comes to
your vacation rental, it is certainly up to you if you
want to allow smoking or not. But it is very important
that you clearly state the policies regarding it in your
rental agreement and otherwise, so that there is no
confusion and conflict later on.
Smoking inside your vacation rental can leave long-term
reminders behind. This might not bode too well with
future, non-smoking, renters. Smoking can leave behind
strong odors in carpeting and furniture. It can also
stain walls and ceilings. And it can also cause problems
for future renters who might have allergies or are
asthmatic. Sometimes vacuuming and thorough cleaning can
take some of the smell out. But more often than not, the
remnants of the smoker hang around long after the smoker
has left the building.
In addition to odors, there is also the increased risk
of fire, as well as damage to furnishings and carpets
due to dropped ashes or cigarette burns. So there is a
lot to consider in the department of smoking and your
vacation rental!
If you do decide to allow smoking in your vacation
rental, perhaps you can consider the following, in order
to keep your vacation rental appealing to all potential
renters:
• Consider tile or hardwood flooring instead of
wall-to-wall carpets
• Limit smoking to outside of the vacation rental, such
as out on porches, decks, or balconies
While you can always charge for any damages or extra
cleaning that needs to be done after your rent to
smokers, which might upset the customer (and lead to
ongoing issues with him/her), it might be easier to
consider prohibiting smoking altogether at your vacation
rental.
If you decide to ban smoking, it is important that you
clearly state in your rental agreement that you will not
allow it, and explain any applicable charges that will
be levied if you find that the renter was smoking on
premises. Also, reiterate this in any oral or written
communications (i.e. emails) you have with your renter,
so that your policy on smoking is clear. Do not be
afraid to broach the subject, it is your property after
all!
While there is a chance you might lose a customer here
and there if you decide to not allow smoking at your
property, there is also the chance that you will lose
customers and especially repeat (non-smoking) customers
if you do allow it. Take that into account, along with
the increased cost of cleaning that will go along with
smoking inside your vacation rental, in addition to the
increased damage risks, and you might find that only
allowing smoking outside, or not allowing it at all,
will just be easier for you.
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Need
help? Call toll-free 1-800-929-VLBO
