Unwanted Smells in NYC Coops
Image Credits: Nadia Pillon
Tips from Mark Foley as seen in The New York Times
Did you know that two of the most common complaints in condos and coops are smells and noise? Whether it’s cooking odors, cigarette smoke, or even marijuana smoke, unwanted smells can quickly turn into a major issue in apartment living. If your neighbor’s smoking habits are making their way into your apartment, you’re not alone.
While co-op living is all about community, it’s also about respecting each other’s space. You have the right to enjoy your home without dealing with persistent secondhand smoke, just as your neighbor has the right to their lifestyle. So how do you handle this without turning it into a full-blown conflict? Here’s how you can address the problem effectively while keeping the peace.
Step 1: Block the Smoke from Entering Your Apartment
Smoke travels easily, especially in older buildings with shared ventilation systems and hallway drafts. The good news? You can take simple and inexpensive steps to block the smoke from seeping into your home.
✅ Install weatherstripping and an under-door stopper around your front door to create an airtight seal. This will prevent smoke from seeping in from the hallway.
✅ If you’re comfortable, offer a draft stopper to your neighbor as a friendly gesture. A simple, “Hey, I got an extra one of these, and it really helps with hallway smells. Want to give it a try?” could go a long way.
Step 2: Improve Air Circulation in Your Unit
Even with your door sealed, some odors may still linger. To minimize the impact:
✅ Use an air purifier with a HEPA and activated carbon filter—these are the best for absorbing smoke and other strong odors- including your own cooking!
✅ Increase ventilation by running a fan near a window, directing the airflow outward.
✅ Consider placing bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal around your home—they naturally absorb odors over time.
✅ Add air-purifying plants to your space. Certain plants are known for filtering out toxins and improving indoor air quality. Two of the best for tackling smoke odors include:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria) – This hardy plant absorbs toxins and releases oxygen at night, making it great for bedrooms.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) – Known for filtering airborne pollutants, this plant also helps reduce humidity and neutralize strong smells.
Step 3: Have a Friendly Conversation
If the smell persists, you might need to speak directly with your neighbor. While this can feel uncomfortable, a polite and non-confrontational approach can often lead to the best results.
Try something like:
"Hey, I hope you're settling in well! I wanted to mention something—I've been noticing some strong smoke smells making their way into my apartment. I really respect your space, but I was wondering if you’d be open to us installing weatherstripping and draft stoppers on your door. I’d really appreciate it!"
By keeping the tone friendly and solution-focused, you’re more likely to get a positive response rather than a defensive one.
Step 4: Escalate If Necessary
If the friendly approach doesn’t work and the smoke continues to invade your apartment, the next step is to escalate the issue to your property manager. The property manager is responsible for forwarding your complaint to the co-op board.
Keep in mind that your property manager receives a lot of complaints, mostly about noise and smells, so keeping it courteous will likely result in the best outcome.
A good practice is for coop boards to set up an ongoing maintenance program to install weatherstripping whenever possible. This can be for all move-outs and move-ins, renovations, etc., as well as any time there’s a complaint about noise or smells. This is an easy task for the Resident Manager to manage and the cost is negligible.
Living in a co-op means balancing community and personal comfort. While unwanted smells—whether from smoke, cooking, or other sources—can be frustrating, taking proactive steps can make all the difference. By sealing your apartment, improving air circulation, and engaging in a friendly, solutions-oriented conversation with your neighbor, you can often resolve the issue without unnecessary tension.
If the problem persists, involving your property manager or co-op board may be necessary. Encouraging your board to implement a weatherstripping program as part of ongoing maintenance can prevent future complaints, creating a better living environment for everyone.
At The Folson Group, we always recommend neighborly solutions first, and Mark Foley shared his insights in the New York Times “My Neighbors Smoke Weed All Day, and It’s Stinking Up the Joint.”
Need more solutions for co-op or condo challenges? Reach out to The Folson Group—we’re here to help!