Real Estate

Up in smoke

The folks in the apartment above us complain about our occasional smoking (three to four times per night). We’ve agreed to limit our smoking to the bathroom. We also use an air purifier and keep our windows open. Do they really have grounds for grousing? P.S.: The same tenants burn incense like crazy. — David J., Woodhaven

Has it occurred to you that your neighbors may be burning incense to cover the smell of your nicotine? Just saying. But back to their gripes about you. Good manners dictate sensitivity to how one’s actions affect the comfort of others. That said, it does sound as though you’ve made a good-faith effort here. Although nothing you’ve done so far has erased the problem, don’t throw in the smoke-filled towel just yet. For example, is it possible that your loo’s vent is the pathway through which the smoke is traveling? Could you perhaps smoke during times when they are not home? Have they installed an air filter in their apartment? Have you tried a smokeless ashtray? In the interest of good neighborliness, I hope you continue to have a dialogue on this matter, and that between both parties, you find a solution that allows you all to breathe a bit easier. P.S.: You might want to revisit your definition of the word “occasional.”

There are smokers in two downstairs units in our building and, unfortunately, the smoke travels right into our apartment. We’re trying to get the landlord to seal the spaces around the heat pipes. Do you have any other suggestions? — Sophie H., Boerum Hill

I applaud your thinking out of the box (or in this case, the cigarette carton) to come up with a physical remedy to the problem. I’d also check in with your neighbors. Hard as it is to believe, it’s possible they’re not aware their smoke is traveling. If you speak with them in a nonaggressive way, they may well work to accommodate you. If, however, your building mates prove intractable, I recommend combining forces with other nonsmokers in the building and putting your complaint to the landlord in writing. There’s safety (and efficacy) in numbers.

I’m a board member in a co-op that’s considering going smoke-free. What’s the best way for us to do so without alienating certain owners? — Alfonso T., Harlem

Implementing a policy of this sort, which is becoming more common in New York, will require amending the co-op’s bylaws and its proprietary leases. Since altering these documents will require the consent of a majority of shareholders, you should begin this process by soliciting input from everyone. Explain the board’s reason for wanting to implement the new policy, the benefits of which (in addition to cleaner interior air) can include decreased wear and tear on common-area wallpaper and carpets, as well as a price jump for individual apartments. If there’s any way to a co-op owner’s heart, it’s through his pocketbook. For more resources, check out smokefreehousingny.org and nycsmokefree.org.

Next column: Are the friendships in your shared ski house going downhill? Drop me a line at testingthemarketnyc@gmail.com or tweet me @MisterManners.