What can be done if cigarette smoke blowing into our apartment and I’m not sure which apartment it is coming from? – Lynn, QLD

It’s hard to restrict someone from smoking within the premises of their own private property. In body corporate living, all owners have a right to enjoy their property in their own way. However, if they’re smoking in the common areas such as corridors, staircases, lifts, lobby area, gardens, etc. then they can be restricted by your by-laws.

The first step is to determine where the smoke is coming from and if the smokers are smoking within their private property on in common areas.

The next step is to refer to your by-laws and rules about smoking on common property and discuss your concerns with your neighbour. These guidelines help all owners and residents get on the same page about what is allowed and what’s not, and often an open chat can help in a big way. You may wish to contact your body corporate if your have questions on the matter or need clarity.

Your body corporate can also put up notices and signages in common areas to restrict smoking or designate other areas for smokers, away from residential areas.

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