Is it okay to not allow guests who smoke / are smokers? Even if they smoke outside of the home?

Victoria2274
Level 2
Atlanta, GA

Is it okay to not allow guests who smoke / are smokers? Even if they smoke outside of the home?

Hi! I asked my first question here on the forum a few weeks ago and so many hosts were extremely helpful. I am curious how other hosts determine / if it's non-discriminatory to refuse guests who are smokers? On our house rules it's clearly stated that guests are not allowed to smoke inside the property. If they do, a smoking fee would incur and they are obligated to pay any fees to repair or time spent to take the smokey smell out of the sheets for example. I just now realized that even if they smoke outside, their clothes may smell like smoke, it can linger on them and can transfer over to the bedsheets and/ or bath towels.

 

Since I started in August, I hadn't thought through this properly. My co-host says it is non-discriminatory to decline guests to reserve if they smoke, even if it's outdoors. I know this may seem strict to people, but father and brother have severe asthma and are allergic to more than most people. We have an air purifier in the house for us, and for our guests, to ensure that the air circulating inside is fresh. 

 

I would like to redo our house rules and instead state that we do not allow smokers in our house, even if they smoke outside. Again, I know that might not be convenient to some people, but it's also how we can maintain longevity of the property and that avoids many extra cleaning costs, time and effort. 

 

Has anybody else had similar issues or employ the same house rules? Is it okay to state that we unfortunately do not take smokers because of health reasons- or can we state that even if there are no health reasons? Sorry for the long post. We just want to be diligent but also not discriminate because we are still understanding the ins and outs of Airbnb hosting. Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to read this and share their experiences, opinions and suggestions. 

1 Reply 1
Marie8425
Level 10
Buckeye, AZ

@Victoria2274 

I think actually an interesting question.  Don't know the answer just raising questions I am thinking of

I smoke and yes I remember one of my infusion nurses sent over was allergic to the smell of my smoking she would develop a migraine just from the odor in my house so I believe you,

People claim vaping doesn't smell so you might have to deal with that.

Maybe rather than saying no smokers write it more generic in that people with severe allergies to strong odors reside in the home  So we must insist that colognes, aftershaves or smoking scents be not present on material items worn or brought in by a guest because odors transfer and an allergic reaction may occur.

Then you aren't saying no but smokers will avoid you lol.  If someone who doesn't smoke is at check in, they can smell a smoker immediately, but if a guest is stupid enough to try just don't identify the odor say I am sorry you have some type of strong personal scent that we disclosed we can not accept.