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AIBU?

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Original poster

Neighbour smoking on balcony

239 replies

PorridgeWobbler · 19/07/2024 08:40

We have a relatively new neighbour in the flat immediately next to ours. Now that the weather is improving he seems to spend a lot of time on his balcony smoking cigarettes and weed. Yesterday it was about every 2-3 hours. The smell is horrendous and the prevailing wind flows it straight in through our windows. It’s as if someone is smoking inside our flat. I work from home so notice every time he smokes. Last night he lit up again at 11pm so I had to shut our bedroom windows despite it being very hot. I have young children and their bedrooms also end up stinking of smoke.

I feel I need to say something because it is vile and bad for our health. But I also appreciate that it’s his balcony and he can technically do what he wants on it. What should I say?

AIBU to complain to him?

OP posts:
Ginmonkeyagain · 19/07/2024 09:07

@PorridgeWobbler not to be that person but this is when you should keep your windows shut. Opening them at 32 degrees will just make your flat warmer.

Open the windows wide early (like 6am) and late (after dark) otherwise keep them shut with the window coverings closed.

You'll thank me later tonight.

Marblessolveeverything · 19/07/2024 09:06

PorridgeWobbler · 19/07/2024 08:59

This isn’t any kind of solution. I’m in London and it’s 32 degrees today - I can’t just keep my windows shut.

I also don’t think and air purifier will have any impact.

Show quote history

The purifier can reduce smells. Previous experience living in capital city amongst smokers. Can you get an AC unit or a cooling fan?

LeFromage · 19/07/2024 09:05

If he had a fan and/ or a carbon air filter it might help - if you approach him with some suggested solutions and ask him to try some of them / come up with his own while saying you appreciate it’s his space but your children are breathing in cannabis and cigarette smoke regularly now I think most people would want to not be an arsehole. Have you googled which letting agency the property was let through? You might need to report him to his landlord if he is an outright arsehole So find & keep the letting agency info now if you can before rental ad disappears

DinnaeFashYersel · 19/07/2024 09:05

He might not realise and if you tell him he might do the decent thing and go downstairs.

He might not in care which case there's nothing you can do.

Hope for the best and have a nice chat and see if you can get things sorted.

Querty123456 · 19/07/2024 09:02

Why don’t you ask him to text you when he’s heading outside for a smoke. Then close the windows, wait 10 mins and all should be clear.

Bananaadramaa · 19/07/2024 09:02

Tell him. You’re already mindful that it is his own balcony. Just explain you have young kids and the smell really comes into your flat. He might understand and smoke elsewhere, or do it less often. All you can do is try, but be kind

pictoosh · 19/07/2024 09:02

Yes you can ask but remember he can say no.

There isn't going to be anywhere else convenient for him to do it. The balcony is it.
Bad luck.

Itsjustmeheretoday · 19/07/2024 09:00

I'd tell him and he might change where he smokes, it's worth an ask. Most smokers are quite considerate I've found.

Original poster
PorridgeWobbler · 19/07/2024 08:59

Marblessolveeverything · 19/07/2024 08:56

He is smoking on his balcony, 🤷‍♀️. You can only control smoking in your home.

Close your windows and pop in a air purifier.

This isn’t any kind of solution. I’m in London and it’s 32 degrees today - I can’t just keep my windows shut.

I also don’t think and air purifier will have any impact.

OP posts:
Marblessolveeverything · 19/07/2024 08:56

He is smoking on his balcony, 🤷‍♀️. You can only control smoking in your home.

Close your windows and pop in a air purifier.

Shoxfordian · 19/07/2024 08:49

Nothing you can do about it

AutumnLeaves1990 · 19/07/2024 08:46

Only thing you can do is make him aware. If he's a decent enough person,he'll be a bit more considerate in the future.

pictoosh · 19/07/2024 08:45

It's up to him. Nothing you can reasonably do.

windyweather66 · 19/07/2024 08:44

I would hate this too, but I've no idea if you can do anything about it.

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