2nd Hand Smoke in our Apartment--Vent and Help!

SweetLottie · December 2010

Im just beyond upset. Im sure the hormones are making it worse but I just want to sit and cry and I cant think of a solution.

We have lived in our apartment for 3 years and didnt plan on moving until June to a different city (FI graduates). I have always noticed how crappy our apartment was made, but put up with it. We constantly ask for the same repairs because they are never truly fixed unless they replace the item broken (which they dont).

Our windows leak and our doors you can see light through but this never got to me until about a week ago. I noticed on xmas eve that our new neighbor who smokes is wafting her 2nd hand nastiness right into the babys new room. I never noticed before because I am never in there for a long time period. I was bawling for hours because this means dealing with the apartment complex and fixing this issue that will probably never be resolved.

What do I ask for? New windows? I hate the office manager, shes the meanest *** ever. I dont know what to do, moving is a LAST option for us really. Anybody have any advice or experience?

BeetleLinz1125 · December 2010

I'm sorry to hear about your frustration. It really sucks when you are dealing with appartment complexes and neighbors. One thing you can try that will be a very easy and inexpensive fix is to get one of the weather sealing kits (they are between $12 and $20) that you put around the windows. If you've never done them before they're a pain in the butt, but it will help keep all the cold/wind out, and therefore the smoke. In our old apartment, we used those and we also caulked the windows shut...I don't reccommend that, but he did that before I moved in LOL. The weather kits look pretty tacky, but I'll take tacky over second hand smoke.

Jackswife123 · December 2010

If I were you I'd just caulk the windows myself to see if that solves the problem. It's not that expensive and you'll probably do a better job than they would. Honestly, I doubt they'll replace your windows b/c you smell smoke. It sucks but it's a part of apartment living.

otoro98 · December 2010

If any smoke is actually coming through the vents too, they sell filters that you can place behind them at Home Depot, for very little $$. Another option, though more expensive, is you can splurge on an air purifier for the baby's room. We occasionally have the same problem (hasn't been as bad lately, but you never know who is moving in), and I'm getting armoured! Good luck.

Nyki06Wed43530 · December 2010

My only advice is to not take it out of your neighbor. I'm sure they don't want to be an inconvenience to you but they were told when they signed the lease that they would be able to smoke so it's really not their fault even if you don't like their choices.

SweetLottie · December 2010

Nyki88:
My only advice is to not take it out of your neighbor. I'm sure they don't want to be an inconvenience to you but they were told when they signed the lease that they would be able to smoke so it's really not their fault even if you don't like their choices.

Absolutely, I dont have too many hard feelings against her. But honestly, my opinion of her is changing. The other night I took my dog out and saw she was on her porch smoking with the door shut and her child out there with her. Its hard to explain but the porches dont have normal railings, its like a board, so its really a confined area with no air circulation. I feel so sorry for that child having to put up with it.

I dont plan on bringing my neighbor into this, Im "beyond upset" at our apartment complex for being so bad.

I like the ideas so far, but I feel like its their problem they should fix. Any ideas on how to present this and get what I want? I have a tendency to blame and that never helps.

DeansGirl0329 · December 2010

SweetLottie:
I like the ideas so far, but I feel like its their problem they should fix. Any ideas on how to present this and get what I want? I have a tendency to blame and that never helps.

I second the weather sealing stuff and I'd say just do it yourself. Sounds easier to just get it done vs. hassling trying to convince the apartment people to do something about it.

lovesBup · December 2010

Write a letter requesting something to be done, and keep a copy. Take some pictures of the window before anything is done to it, and after if the problem persists. If nothing is done about it you could call a codes enforcement officer or some equivalent. I'm pretty sure anyone running an apartment complex has legal standards to uphold. You are paying them for a place to live, read through your lease (if you have one) and highlight anything about repair services that are supposed to be provided if necessary, or look up renter laws in your area if need be.

It's not always easy to break character (if you're like me, and are constantly afraid of confrontations, or hurting peoples feelings Embarrassed ) and risk coming off as that annoying persistent lady that will stop at nothing to get her way... but if you walk through life letting people sweep you under the rug, you will just keep getting swept under the rug.

Or, you could go to home depot and buy that sticky window plastic that you tack up and hit with a hair dryer. It's only 15 bucks, and you can see right through it.. it just isn't that preety around the window frame with all the access plastic.

SweetLottie · December 2010

lovesBup:
It's not always easy to break character (if you're like me, and are constantly afraid of confrontations, or hurting peoples feelings ) and risk coming off as that annoying persistent lady that will stop at nothing to get her way... but if you walk through life letting people sweep you under the rug, you will just keep getting swept under the rug.

You hit the nail on the head :-) Thanks for your kind words, they are really appreciated. I also like the idea of taking pictures and document things. That way if S*it hit the fan later on I could have all this stuff saying what a horrible place it was to live :-)

lovesBup · December 2010

SweetLottie:
lovesBup:
It's not always easy to break character (if you're like me, and are constantly afraid of confrontations, or hurting peoples feelings ) and risk coming off as that annoying persistent lady that will stop at nothing to get her way... but if you walk through life letting people sweep you under the rug, you will just keep getting swept under the rug.

You hit the nail on the head :-) Thanks for your kind words, they are really appreciated. I also like the idea of taking pictures and document things. That way if S*it hit the fan later on I could have all this stuff saying what a horrible place it was to live :-)

My FI and I had a lot of trouble with the last place we rented. I know how frustrating your situation can be! lol.. I'm a softy by nature so it can be pretty difficult to stand up for myself in situations like that.. but I've been toughening up as the pregnancy progresses lol.. probably just the hormones making me short fused, I still take care not to be nasty but I've been following through with taking actions and going a little bit out of my comfort zone to make things work out for me and my new family. It's all worth it in the end!

Let us know how it turns out for ya!

JCragg · December 2010

We had a pot smoker in the basement (we have a condo style apartment) it was coming through they bathroom. We used the expanding foam under the baseboards (where it was coming from) and we haven't had an issue since.

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2nd Hand Smoke in our Apartment--Vent and Help!

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