wrote in message
oups.com...
David Martel wrote:

Here's some info on a story from several years ago
http://www.electricnews.net/news.html?code=9362073 It seems such devices
are
possible, the question is whether anyone makes or sells them. Your
friend
should poke around on Google or write the folks in Dublin.

Thanks! I should have pointed out that the section of the great
US-of-A where my friend wants to purchase this investment property is
blue collar, angry blue collar, and that while a magistrate in a more
progressive part of the country might not think twice about siding with
a landlord who evicted due to breach of a no-smoking clause, the
magistrate in this particular municipality would be bucking
socioeconomics...and then some.

In that case, you are probably better off finding a property that is easier
to maintain, something without stuccoed ceilings, real wood finishes, and so
forth.

A 'classic' home or building, one where, if restored and/or kept in it's
original condition, would be worth far more than the equivalent remodeled or
newer one, is probably not a good investment for rental property. The sad
fact is, few people treat someone else's property as well as they treat
something they're own. (Google Superdome Katrina)

Even if it were possible to completely eliminate the smoking of tobacco and
other herbs, there's incense, candles, dust, cooking, and even ionizer air
cleaners and fans, which can stain a wall, floor or ceiling worse than
anything. While the paint stick compared to the ceiling trick sounds good,
you would have a tough time proving that the difference wasn't due to normal
wear and tear. Nobody expects the paint, or any surface, to be perfect and
untouched by a renter, even if it's on the ceiling, for the reasons I just
mentioned. In most states, if not all, I don't believe you can even deduct
painting from the tenant's security deposit. Same goes with carpet cleaning
or replacement. Of course, if it's only been a few weeks, and the place is
a wreck, then you may be able to deduct these things, perhaps, but if it's
been several months or more, forget it.

For rental property, it's best to find something where just about any damage
short of an thermonuclear blast can be fixed with some patching compound and
paint, and any cleaning can be done with a quick swipe of 409. Anything
with fancy ceilings, wainscoting, or other pretty perks is going to be
costly and heartbreaking to keep up.

As for my first response to your post, I apologize for my rudeness. I was
unaware you were dealing with an older building, which would certainly be
better off with non-smokers. Some folks here in CA are getting a bit
extreme with the no smoking issue, and it tends to make folks like me a bit
punchy.

Pagan