Evidence of smoking?

[Michelle-and-Ray0]

I found evidence of smoking after I cleaned my apartment. I always rinse empty cans and bottles and when I did this with the empties I gathered from the apt a few days ago, I discovered cigarette butts in one of the cans. I did not smell cigarette smoke because I have a bad cold. We do not allow smoking anywhere on the property and our listing says so at least twice. This was a couple of guests ago, so it's too late for them, but I want to know if I should put a "fine" in my listing for evidence of smoking and for how much? Would AirBnB back me if it happens again?

[Kelly149]

@Michelle-and-Ray0 no, fines are not allowed. Actual provable costs for extra cleaning or remediation and that only if you get an agreeable guest or the right CS. 

Anecdotally, I think smoke smells and scratched floors are two of the most common complaints and the least likely to be paid too. 

Also, devils advocate, maybe they smoked elsewhere and just threw away trash at your place?

Unlikely, yes, but maybe...

[Sarah977]

Michelle, you have a no smoking policy, and guests need to respect that. I'd reiterate it at the time of their booking via messaging.

However, what Kelly said is true. I am one of those dreaded smokers myself, but if I am staying somewhere where it is not allowed (almost everywhere these days), I will go out on the street to do so. But I don't toss my butts in the street- I will take them with me, and dispose of them in an appropriate place. It's possible that this was what your guest did. Put his butt in a can when he returned from his smoke (or carried the can out with him as an ashtray), not realizing that this is highly offensive to non-smokers. (I actually carry a sealed tin in my bag for butts, but most smokers don't)