About the unit
- Did the most recent resident smoke or vape inside the unit?
- Was anything done about smoke odor before the unit was painted, and by whom?
- Were blinds, carpet, filters or window air conditioners replaced or cleaned at this turnover?
- Is there a move-in condition report, and can I add notes about odor during my first week?
- If odor appears once the heat or cooling runs, who do I contact and how quickly is it addressed?
About the building
- Is the building smoke-free? Does the policy cover balconies, fire escapes, courtyards and entry steps?
- Does the policy include vaping and cannabis?
- How are smoke complaints handled, and how long does a response usually take?
- Have you had complaints about smoke traveling between units in this stack?
- Are any units still under older leases that allow smoking?
- Is there a designated smoking area, and where is it relative to my windows?
Reading the answers
Encouraging signs
- Clear, written smoking policy covering indoor and outdoor areas
- Specific description of what was done at the last turnover
- Willingness to note odor on the condition report
- A named contact and a stated process for complaints
- Openness about past issues and what was fixed
Reasons to ask more
- No policy, or one that only exists verbally
- Vague answers about the previous resident
- Reliance on fragrance products in the unit
- Reluctance to put any promise in writing
- Dismissing smoke drift as something renters must live with
Getting it in writing
Spoken reassurances are easy to give and hard to rely on. If a landlord says the unit will be cleaned again before move-in, or that the building is smoke-free, ask for it in an email or a lease addendum. A short written line such as a commitment to clean closets and cabinets before the start date, or a copy of the building's smoking policy, gives you something to refer back to later.
This is not about expecting the worst. Most landlords in central Denver want residents to stay, and many have dealt with smoke complaints before. Clear expectations at the start make it much easier for both sides to fix a problem calmly if one appears in the first winter.
General information for Capitol Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.