My landlord is trying to not only ban e-cigs but even owning a mod!!!

[Kennebarton]

I currently live in Government Housing in Illinois and recently we got a notice stating that effective in June no tenant will be allowed to smoke any substance that creates smoke. Be that cigarettes, {other stuff}, or any smoking device. And it specifically called out e-cigs.

If they suspect vaping or see a box mod I will be first warned, then fined $100, and then a third strike is possible eviction.

And to top it all of they expect all tenants to show up to a mandatory meeting to discuss this BS policy.

Not really sure what to do here. Theses are my options.

1. Ignore the rules and hide my vaping
2. Voice my opinions on vaping at the meeting.

If I do 1; I got the possiblity of eviction.
I'm pretty sure if I choose 2, they are not going to give a .... about my information.

Do I have any rights here being that I am living in Gov't Housing(assisted living)? I do pay rent after all.

Total ignorance is running this country and I am a fed up citizen!!!

 

[Chelonian]

We own a block of apartments that we rent to the Gov for seriously disabled people.
If you rent from an individual, they can set the rules, as long as it isnt racially, sexually, or belief based bais.
If they are accepting govt money, or if its a straight up govt owned property, they cannot restrict what you do in the appt, as ling as it isnt illegal or destructive.



Redacted

 

[caramel]

Well it's vapor not smoke. Get a printed copy of the rules. Keep it well guarded.

My question is - are they going to perform searches into your apt? Go through all your personal belongings without reasonable cause?

Is this the price to pay to be "helped" by the government?

What's next, smoking ban for those on Social Security?

 

[crxess]

Welcome to an ANTZ infected world!

If Government controlled, ask for the specific State Housing Regulation on this matter.

 

[OlderNDirt]

Just tell them you vape religiously!

Sorry for being flippant, but once government enters the equation, all logic and common sense go out the window.

 

[fishj]

I would try option 2, and when that is ignored, I would choose option 1.

 

[bacc.vap]

A bunch of B.S. Do they already know you vape? If they do, I'd just be very careful and hide it. If they don't ,I'd probably bring it up at the meeting. I wouldn't say that I vaped, just mention you were looking into it to quit smoking and thinking of vaping. Maybe take some good studies with you to show how much less harmful it is than smoking. Try to guilt them a bit, make them know they are forcing people to keep doing something harmful. No doubt they already have their mind made up, but you never know.

Are they going to warn, fine, and evict people they catch with a pack of cigs also? It'd be quite lame to allow possession of cigs and not a vaping device. Quite the backwards world we're heading into.

 

[gpjoe]

Well, I assume that it being a rental that they have access at anytime. Not sure what the law says about them entering without your permission, but I'm sure they would say that it was "an emergency" or some other BS. And even if they entered while you were out and saw your stuff, you are not breaking any rule just by owning the vaporizers, just the same as if they found a pack of cigs and a Zippo - they would have to prove that you used the equipment on/in their property. That's a tall order if they never actually see you, and have witnesses.

I'm no lawyer, but I'd just keep on vaping, out of sight of course. May be horrible advice but that's what I would do. If you get three strikes, at least you will have some warning after the first offense and see what they consider an infraction.

 

[Mellowbuzz]

I like fishj's answer. Why do one, when you can do both. Voice your opinion at the "mandatory" pow-wow....and if your objections go unanswered, the eff em! I'm not positive being gubment housing, but I don't think they can drop by unannounced and make inspections. As far as I know, they have to give you notice to enter your home. Even if they plan to come over for "routine maintenance" I'm almost positive they have to give notice. And when they do, hide your vape gear. They can't prove you're using the gear. Last I checked, it's not illegal to own vaporizers.

It's a BS policy and should be against the law, considering it's not smoke. It's water vapor.

 

[Bgren99]

Well you're living/renting on someone else's property so I'd assume they can ban vaping on their property just like they could ban pets...I highly doubt they can fine you for owning a mod tho, that sounds like misinformation to me

 

[jseah]

If all smoking is banned, and they can evict you for just having a mod, will they evict people if they are found in possession of a pack of cigarettes too?

 

[OlderNDirt]

I wouldn't even worry about hiding it. Surely they cannot control what belongings you have in "your home", but then again....

Just light a heavy scented candle when they come.

 

[Nermal]

What's next, smoking ban for those on Social Security?

What? You think they want us to live longer and keep receiving benefits? Beg to differ.

 

[mcol]

Well it's vapor not smoke. Get a printed copy of the rules. Keep it well guarded.

My question is - are they going to perform searches into your apt? Go through all your personal belongings without reasonable cause?

Is this the price to pay to be "helped" by the government?

What's next, smoking ban for those on Social Security?

Couple of years ago a smoker person we know, who had just
been widowed a few months before, went to the doctor for
assessment for knee replacement. Doctor told her she wasn't
a candidate as she was a smoker on social security and the govt
won't pay for smokers to get knee replacements. She came
and told everyone what the doctor said and a few weeks were
spent crying foul. I told her that just sounds illegal and to go
check that out thoroughly for the legal aspect of it, get a definite
answer from social security itself. She went to a different doctor
and guess what? First doctor lied, he had an agenda. Imagine
that. She did get the knee replacement.

 

[Amraann]

OP does that include even outside?

Chelonian, I am not sure about where you live but here in Florida one cannot smoke in any government building and that includes housing.
My husband is a park manager for the state.. Part of the job requires that we live in a house on the park property owned by the state.

I have not smoked inside for many years but even if I wanted to I could not do so in this house. I do vape inside and have never asked if it is permitted or not. Mainly because to my knowledge nothing has been specifically stated about vaping in the house. I figure if I do not bring it up then it will not be an issue that they will then feel the need to address.

OP, I am not sure if you should address the issue... Then they will know that you vape and may potentially seek reasons to go into your apt. in order to catch site of your gear.
Typically I would say stand up for your rights but in this specific case I would not suggest that since the outcome cold be your being evicted and it does not sound like it would be easy for you to find another place. I think it is completely assinine that they would say that no one can vape in their apt.

 

[Mellowbuzz]

OP did you sign a lease agreement? I would think this move by them would be changing the terms of the lease. That could only be done at time of renewal. If it's anything like a regular residential lease agreement anyways.

 

[roxynoodle]

I would go to the meeting with a well prepared speech/presentation. You have 3 months to prepare so get started now to do a good job.

If that doesn't work, I would hide it. And is it only box mods? Hmm, if that's the case, I would use a tube mod.

 

[xtwosm0kesx]

Unless the laws are different in Illinois than basically everywhere, the landlord must give 24 hours notice before entering a property, unless its deemed an emergency.

So, given the fact that vapor is basically undetectable scent wise after just a few minutes, you should be fine if you keep it on the low down.

Highly doubt the fine for having a 'boxmod' in your possession would hold up in court, if anything, those fundamental changes in your lease policy should allow you to exit the situation without penalty or allow you to be 'grandfathered' in (won't happen).

 

[Paramaniac413]

As stated above, I would go to the meeting armed with facts. Around here, the Landlord must give 24 hours notice before entering your dwelling and cannot search through closets or drawers, so keeping supplies in a box in a drawer may help. If you choose to keep vaping (I wouldn't see why you would quit vaping - possession isn't illegal), I would invest in a good air purifier that handles odors as well - with replaceable inexpensive filters - and change them regularly. I have one by Holmes that isn't bad. Vaping something without a strong odor or flavor might help as well. Just some suggestions. Hope things work out for you!

 

[Mellowbuzz]

Blame the sweet, tasty aroma in your residence on the can of air freshener you have under the sink.