smoking penalty

[Gabe2]

Throughout my posting and my rules I have No Smoking listed several times. In the rules I mention heavy fines for smoking.  

My guests smoked and I have screenshots from my video security showing it.  I would like to administer the fine.  I reminded them of the policy during their stay and they apologized.  When should I tell them about the fine?  Will airbnb support and help me to collect the fine?

Text from my posting and rules below

POSTING

No smoking

• Absolutely no smoking or any other smoking-like-activities on or near our house, even a few houses away. Typically people don't smoke on the street around here so my neighbors would find it disconcerting. There are some fine places to enjoy a smoke nearby - Harvard Avenue, Eastlake Avenue, even a few waterfront spots. There are heavy penalties for smoking. Please just don't do it.

 RULES

NO SMOKING INSIDE OR OUT, NOT EVEN HALFWAY DOWN THE BLOCK!!!!  I can't stress enough that smoking will not be tolerated, even if you are a couple of houses away.  If you wish to smoke please go two blocks west to Harvard and Shelby or somewhere else on a busy street.  Our neighbors don't like it either and have come to expect no smoking, no butts, etc...  I am sorry if this seems draconian but it just something we don't want to deal with. 

$500 fine for smoking on the property outdoors and $2,000 fine plus actual remediation costs for smoking inside.  In either case your stay will be cancelled and you will have to leave the property immediately.  Does that sound unfair?  I am very sorry.  Smoking is just not tolerated.

[Steph12]

In the US, it is well documented that smoking or being subjected to second-hand smoke causes cancer.  But on daily basis, persons who smoke stink.  It gets in their hair, on their skin and clothing, contaminates their companions and their posessions.  Getting rid of this stink involves cleaning any fabric in my house, washing walls and every other surface, including items on shelves and in drawers.    When I advertize that my home is smoke-free, people with allergies and other medical issues depend on it being smoke-free.  When someone who smokes takes that away, an enormous amount of energy is required to return the house to its smoke-free state. Smoking IS a big deal, and I don't apologize for my "Paranoia," as you so callously put it.  I've been fighting smokers since 1968...not just 20 years.  Please don't book with me.

[Kenneth12]

The problem with this level of zealousness being that,  scientifically examined,  many,  many other substances pose a greater deal of risk,  as well as cause worse allergenic reactions-- marijuana,  being one of the most obvious examples,  but we could also talk about smoke from candles,  incense,  and environmental pollution.

Yes, it stinks and I think we all have the right to prohibit smoking.   It's when people make extreme claims to justifiy that (medical and otherwise) that defy common-sense comparison with other substances (are you free of all household chemicals that have a greater cancer risk?!?) that we seem to have moved to the realm of zealotry and paranoid,  which is aimed at restricting others' lives and choices.

Secondhand smoke poses a risk,  but that risk is relatively minor and roughly comparable to sitting on a cafe patio inhaling exhaust.  It is far (far) more annoying,  of course,  and I'd prefer to eliminate it based on that ...

[David126]

I have seen people who do not want Smokers at all, seems a bit odd as you say there are a lot of other things that could fall into the same category.

I just ban smoking inside and the 10ft from the door. Usual for Colorado, a requirement for Restaurants.

I did have a lady stay who used very strong perfume, took several days for it to go, fortunately had no bookings for that room.

Does amuse me to see the desperate smoking outside in the winter in seriously windy and cold conditions.

[Anne405]

If you don't want smokers in your house, and say that, then they have no right to come and should book elsewhere.   Simple.  

[Karla128]

Me too!

[Molly99]

I totally agree with you. Unfortunately this ** paranoia is taking over the world. People are now so precious about their health that it takes priority over friendship. 

**[Content removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines. Please avoid making generalizing statements about other nationalities  Nondiscrimination Policy]

[Molly99]

Just why does this person think she has the right to dictate what happens on her street?

'Absolutely no smoking or any other smoking-like-activities on or near our house, even a few houses away. Typically people don't smoke on the street around here so my neighbors would find it disconcerting'

What kind of people are these?

[David126]

If you smoking in a Restaurant or a Non Smoking Hotel Room I think we know what the consequences will be.

I have always found the weird thing in the US is the response to Dogs where food is served.

[Denis119]

I don't understand  "in the US is the response to Dogs where food is served."?    Have I missed something all of my life?

[Daphné0]

The penalty For YOU should be more than 500 or 2000.does that Sound unfair ?

I Am very sorry filming is just not tolerated!

[Kenneth12]

This is the United States.  In the United States,   it is his property and undisclosed video surveillance of non-private areas (bathrooms and bedrooms have an reasonable expectation of privacy, unless disclosed) is entirely legal.   Given recent guest theft of over $500 in property,  I don't know how you prevent being burned,  except by such (well-- I'd recommend mentioning it in the listing!).

[Anne405]

And ABB will not help you so you.  

[David126]

I the non AirBnB world the Security Deposit would be the method.

[Kenneth12]

Point taken (the 48 hour limit is onerous),  but what world is that?  Airbnb is not a hotel,  as the properties are primarily residential.

There really isn't a parallel to a situation in hotelling,  where guests can rifle through and take any sort of personal property,  from a tablet to a professional speaker to tools in the shed.  Even in a suite at the Country Inn (or elsewhere),  there's a limit to what one could attempt to pilfer,  and a front desk acts as a guard.

[Ellen107]

I have a tenant who is smoking on the stoop directly outside the unit.  We advertise that we are a non-smoking property.  My condo association sent me a letter stating that they left cigarette buts in a bowl on the stoop which is against property rules.  I've contacted the tenant and hopefully they will comply with my request to clean up and stop smoking near my unit, but if the place smells of smoke when they leave what is protocol through Air B&B if I need additional funds for cleaning?