“I was hoping you would be able to put me in touch with an organization that could help me. I live in an apartment complex in Boulder, CO and recently a new downstairs neighbor moved in who is a smoker. I've asked him to not smoke inside as the smoke seeps up into my apartment and is very strong but he does it anyway. It causes breathing problems for me, allergies, headaches, and a lot of stress. The management in my complex says there is nothing they can do about it. They will not let me out of my lease and my lease does not expire for almost another year. I do not want to be exposed to this toxicity for another year. Is there any help for me?” V Miller, Arvada

 

         “I live in an apartment with nearly constant cigarette smoke, can't afford to move, I am frantic and disgusted. Sometimes it gets so bad I have to go sit in my car for hours.” S Chapman, Boulder

 

         “ I live in an apartment complex. I am very sensitive to smoke and the tenant below me smokes like a chimney. I feel unhealthy most of the time because of the filthy air I am forced to breathe. I don't know what to do. I pay a lot of money for rent and I feel like I am being abused. Can you tell me what I can do? Can you at least point me in a direction to get out of this dilemma?” Ally, Denver

 

         “My downstairs neighbor smokes and the building isn't properly ventilated so my apartment is filled with smoke all the time. I am living in a cloud of smoke and not only am it uncomfortable; it is hazardous to my health. No one will help me, the landlord thinks this is not a problem and I should just live with it. Do I have any rights? Is there anything I can do?” Hanna, Denver

 

         “All the smoke from the 4 people living down below me comes straight up to my unit. Since they moved in 2 years ago, I have developed asthma as well as had a heart attack. Even with all my windows open, the smoke is almost unbearable. The people down below are renters and steadfastly refuse to contain their smoke. The association steadfastly refuses to do anything about it. Since I work at home, I am exposed to the point that even my clothes smell like smoke. I can't just move out because of the expense, and also because the deed to this place is a life estate deed, and I am not allowed to sell it. If I move out, I lose this place.” Jennifer, Lakewood

 

         “I live in a condo and have a neighbor that is horrible, please help. I have lived here for about 4 years, but recently within the past year a new person moved in and only smokes on her patio, which comes right in the windows. I have had cancer twice and now have a huge problem with secondhand smoke. I lose my voice, cough, etc. The gal above this tenant has asthma, and the person is aware of these issues, but continues to smoke. The management ignores the situation. Please help me move forward to protect my family’s health and mine.” Catrina, Lakewood

 

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