Side by side
Cigarette smoke residue
- Yellow to brown staining on ceilings, walls and fixtures
- Strong stale ashtray odor that is easy to identify
- Sticky tar film plus nicotine and other combustion byproducts
- Ash, burns and butts as visible evidence
- Soaks deeply into soft materials and porous surfaces
Vape aerosol residue
- Little or no yellowing; surfaces may look clean
- Faint sweet or fruity smell, sometimes barely noticeable
- Greasy, slick film on windows, mirrors and screens from glycol and glycerin
- Nicotine still deposits if the products contained it
- Lighter odor load in soft materials, but film can still build up
Points to keep in mind
- Visibility
- A vaper's unit can pass a quick visual inspection and still have film
- Best clue
- A hazy, smeary film on window glass and mirrors that streaks when wiped
- Lease wording
- Older no-smoking clauses may not mention vaping at all
- Cleaning
- Usually lighter than a cigarette turnover, but still a full wipe-down
Why it still matters at turnover
It is tempting to treat a vaper's unit as clean if it looks clean. The film from vapor is mostly propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, with flavorings and, in many products, nicotine. It settles on smooth surfaces as a thin, oily layer that attracts dust. On glass it causes a persistent haze. On walls and cabinets it is harder to see, but a wipe with a white cloth often shows it.
Odor tends to be milder and sweeter than cigarette residue, which some incoming residents notice and some do not. People who are sensitive to fragrance or nicotine may find it unpleasant. Since many Capitol Hill buildings have older ventilation and small spaces, even a mild film can be more noticeable than it would be in a large, newer unit.
From a lease point of view, landlords should check whether their clause covers electronic devices. Many older leases mention only smoking or tobacco, which may leave room for argument. Adding clear language at the next renewal or new lease is a conversation for the landlord's attorney or property manager.
Turnover items for a former vaper's unit
- Clean all window glass, mirrors and glass shower doors with a degreasing glass cleaner, changing cloths often.
- Wipe walls, doors and cabinet faces with a mild degreaser and check with a white cloth.
- Wash light fixtures, switch plates and ceiling fan blades.
- Replace or clean HVAC and air conditioner filters.
- Launder or replace blinds and curtains if they feel tacky.
- Smell the closets and cabinets, which may hold a sweet note after the main rooms are clear.
General information for Capitol Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.