Teacher Reports Downstairs Neighbors for Smoking Weed: AITA?

A music teacher moved into the top floors of a three-story townhouse, and within days the place started smelling like weed. Not a faint whiff either, we’re talking reek-through-the-entire-apartment levels, even with two air purifiers running.

The downstairs neighbor only moved in last weekend, and the teacher says the smell got worse after that. They talked to him the first day, he promised to stop, then mentioned his mother-in-law sometimes visits and smokes because of her cancer. The teacher asked for basic mitigation, like masking the smell and giving a heads-up, but nothing changed. Finally, they escalated to the landlord because the building is a strict no-smoking apartment, and they teach private students upstairs.

Now the teacher is stuck wondering if reporting it was an overreaction, or if the neighbor finally crossed the line.

Original Post

Here’s some context. Apartment is in a three floor townhouse.

I live in the upper two floors and the downstairs neighbor lives on the first. I’ve lived here for half a year and the downstairs neighbor moved in last weekend.

(9 days ago). Ever since they moved in, my apartment has reeked of w**d.

I have two air purifiers and it still smells. I am a teacher and if I were to ever smell of w**d, I would lose my job and certification.

The first day I went and talked to him about the w**d. He said he would stop but sometimes his mother in law stops by and she smokes w**d for her cancer.

I didn’t want to be a d**k so I just asked if they could mask the smell when she is over and let me know in advance. The smell continued and got worse and I heard nothing from the downstairs neighbor.

I left a note a few days ago asking them to stop or find a way to mitigate the smell. This morning the smell was terrible, it was so strong throughout my entire apartment.

I went ahead and let my landlord know since it’s a no smoking apartment. Did I escalate this too quick?

Edit: forgot to add but I also teach private students on my third floor (I’m a music teacher) so I cannot have it smelling at all

Tenant rights can often be confusing, particularly in situations involving smoking policies.

Comment from u/beckdawg19

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Comment from u/lemon_charlie

After the first chat where the downstairs neighbor promised to stop, OP expected the smell to fade, but it kept creeping into their entire apartment.

The article illustrates the emotional toll of living in a smoke-filled environment, particularly when one is in a building with a strict no-smoking policy. The user’s frustration with their downstairs neighbor reflects a broader concern about the respect of communal living rules, which are designed to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for all residents. The ongoing exposure to cannabis smoke can lead to heightened anxiety and discomfort, disrupting the peace that a new home should ideally provide.

To combat this stress, individuals in similar situations may find solace in creating a calming personal space within their apartments. Utilizing air purifiers and incorporating soothing scents can serve as effective strategies to alleviate some of the discomfort caused by intrusive odors, ultimately promoting a sense of well-being amid challenging living circumstances.

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Comment from u/HuntAccurate9397

In the narrative of the Reddit user grappling with a downstairs neighbor's flagrant disregard for the building's no-smoking policy, the importance of open dialogue cannot be overstated. Engaging in a respectful and direct conversation about the issue may serve as the first step toward resolution. This kind of approach can foster a constructive exchange where both parties feel heard.

Moreover, active listening plays a crucial role in navigating such conflicts. By understanding each other's perspectives, the neighbors might discover common ground that allows for compromise, such as agreeing on designated smoking areas or specific times that minimize disruption. This could transform a frustrating living situation into one where both parties can coexist more harmoniously.

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Comment from u/Illustrious-Gene8527

When the teacher asked for masking and advance notice about the mother-in-law’s visits, they still heard nothing, and the odor got worse.

This is similar to the roommate evicted over a noisy cat, and the rent split argument.

Legal expert Richard Roth explains that reporting a neighbor can be a last resort, particularly when previous attempts at resolution fail.

Roth encourages residents to explore mediation services that can assist in resolving disputes amicably, thus avoiding the stress of escalating conflicts and maintaining a peaceful living environment.

Comment from u/the1npc

Comment from u/morgaine125

Comment from u/ReadMeDrMemory

With two air purifiers running and the weed smell so strong it hit the whole place, OP had to decide whether to keep asking or go straight to the landlord.

Health Implications of Secondhand Smoke

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Comment from u/CandidManic

Real estate professionals recommend that prospective tenants thoroughly review lease agreements to understand smoking policies before signing.apartmenttherapy.com'>Apartment Therapy, this proactive approach can prevent future conflicts and ensure a healthy living space.

Comment from u/Organic-Chance13

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Comment from u/Muppet_Fitzgerald

Since OP teaches private music students on the third floor and can’t risk their classroom smelling like weed, the landlord report feels less like drama and more like survival.

Long-Term Solutions for Smoke-Free Living

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Comment from u/BlackFenrir

We're curious to hear your perspective. Share your thoughts in the comments.

This situation exemplifies the delicate balance between personal boundaries and the dynamics of community living. The teacher's choice to report the downstairs neighbor for smoking weed not only underscores their desire to uphold the building's no-smoking policy but also reveals a deeper need to safeguard their professional identity and personal space. This conflict may have been exacerbated by unsuccessful attempts at communication, pushing the teacher to escalate the situation instead of seeking a more amicable resolution. The persistent smell of smoke serves as a reminder of how living in close quarters can complicate neighborly relations, particularly when one party feels their home is being compromised.

In the scenario presented, the importance of maintaining a smoke-free living environment stands out as a fundamental tenant right. The frustration expressed by the Reddit user highlights the legal and health implications of smoke infiltrating a home, particularly when a strict no-smoking policy is in place. The situation underscores the necessity for proactive communication between tenants and landlords to address such violations effectively.

Documenting the issue and reaching out to the landlord can serve as essential steps toward resolving the conflict. This case illustrates how tenants can take control of their living conditions by ensuring that their voices are heard, ultimately fostering a healthier and more respectful community for everyone involved.

He might be happier in a different apartment, because this one keeps smelling like someone else’s problem.

For another family fight over money, read about siblings using the OP’s savings for a lavish secret vacation.