Smoking in non-smoking apartments
I’ve lived in two Gaithersburg apartment complexes and due to the severity of this issue, I’m trying to find a different place to live. I’m willing to move anywhere within the state of Maryland. I’ve lived in one of the Camden properties, and in a place in Old Town.
Both places are non-smoking complexes that are filled with daily smoke.
I’m in my twenties, and I’m not against those who are smokers whatsoever. I understand that it’s medical for some and some can’t live without it. It saddens me however that people aren’t willing to respect shared spaces, often smoke (what feels like constantly) in their homes, or don’t pursue less obstructive methods of consumption.
Both of my close friends are severe asthmatics. My other close friends are recovering smokers. My cat, who is my everything, is a severe asthmatic as well. I moved to these places because I hoped the air would be clear, and my place would be without a strong smell. My job requires me to work with extremely old antiques that could be destroyed by the smoke, or if they catch the smell.
After testing the air quality in both places, it’s not ideal for our health. My friends have had to leave due to being overwhelmed by the smell or the smoke. It’s been hard to get the smell off of the walls of the unit I moved to. I’ve used weather strips, door covers, air fresheners, humidifiers, air purifiers, and it’s still unbearable. I’m afraid to report the smokers because I’ve heard horror stories from other residents about confrontations, and I’m unable to hold my own in that situation physically. I’ve reported this to the leasing office and they’re able to knock on doors, but it does put them in danger, and there’s no guarantee of a solution. It also may paint me as a target if I’m shown on the ring doorbell of the offending room. Should law enforcement be involved if it gets to that level?
It seems like every no smoking apartment still smells strongly of smoke in this area and I’m in search of places to live where this isn’t the case, that are in the 1,600-2,000 price range. It’s hard to make peace with the fact that it feels like there’s no escape, and the issue is so severe in my current complex. I don’t know if I should call the police for something that’s simply suspicion of smoke coming from a certain door, and I don’t know who I’m able to complain to where things will actually be addressed. Either a warning, a fine, or lease breaking feels like a good course of action due to the frequent lease violation of a no smoking complex. People are permitted to smoke outside, and there’s a Main Street where they can as well. I’ve had issues with maintenance men smelling strongly of smoke when they enter my home, and it’s enough to make my cat have an attack. My ac unit takes air from the outside, and with so many people smoking on balconies and in the public spaces, the smell enters my home. What else can I do? And is there anywhere left with clean air or at the very least more conscientious smokers?