Airbnb Smoking Violations: How to Document, Charge, and Recover Costs

What to Do If a Guest Smokes in Your Short-Term Rental

Smoking is one of the fastest ways to damage a short-term rental, and one of the hardest issues to fix after the fact. From lingering odors to fire risk and costly deep cleans, smoking can quickly turn a profitable booking into a headache.

While Airbnb doesn’t allow hosts to charge an official “smoking fee,” there are smart, enforceable ways to prevent smoking in your rental and recover costs if a guest breaks your house rules. This guide walks you through exactly how to protect your property.

Why Smoking Is a Serious Risk for Short-Term Rentals

Smoking inside a rental property creates both financial and safety risks:

• Cigarettes are a leading cause of residential fires in the U.S.

• Smoke damages walls, ceilings, furniture, and soft goods

• Odors can linger for weeks and require professional remediation

• Deep cleaning costs can easily reach hundreds of dollars

• Future guests may leave negative reviews due to residual smells

For STR hosts, prevention is far more effective, and cheaper than cleanup.

Can Hosts Charge an Airbnb Smoking Fee?

Not directly.

Airbnb does not allow a preset “smoking fee” in your pricing. However, hosts can:

• Enforce a strict no-smoking policy

• Charge for actual cleaning or damage costs

• Deduct expenses from a security deposit

• Submit a claim through Airbnb’s Resolution Center

The key is documentation and clear house rules.

Create a Clear No-Smoking Policy (Non-Negotiable)

Your first line of defense is clarity.

Your house rules should clearly state:

• No smoking of any kind (cigarettes, cigars, vapes, e-cigarettes, hookahs)

• Smoking is not permitted indoors or near open windows/doors

• Violations result in deep-cleaning charges and potential claims

When rules are explicit, enforcement becomes straightforward, and defensible.

How to Prevent Smoking in Your Short-Term Rental

1. Require a Security Deposit

A security deposit discourages risky behavior and gives you financial protection if smoking occurs.

When managed through Guesty, deposits and documentation are centralized, making claims far easier to handle.

2. Communicate Expectations Before Arrival

Mention your no-smoking policy:

• In pre-arrival messages

• In your digital house manual

• On signage inside the unit (subtle but visible)

Clear reminders reduce “I didn’t know” excuses.

3. Offer a Designated Outdoor Smoking Area

If your property allows it, designate a specific outdoor smoking area away from doors and windows. This can reduce indoor violations without encouraging smoking inside.

4. Use Smart Tech (Where Allowed)

Noise monitors, exterior cameras, and smart locks don’t detect smoking directly—but they help identify rule-breaking behavior early.

Always disclose any monitoring devices clearly in your listing.

What to Do If a Guest Smokes in Your Rental

Step 1: Document Everything

Collect:

• Photos or videos of ash, cigarette butts, burns, or residue

• Cleaner invoices for deep cleaning or ozone treatment

• Time-stamped evidence from check-out

Platforms like Airbnb typically give hosts 14 days to submit claims—documentation is critical.

Step 2: Submit a Cleaning or Damage Claim

Submit your claim through the Resolution Center with:

• Proof of damage

• Receipts or invoices

• Clear reference to your no-smoking house rule

Guesty helps keep all communication and documentation organized if escalation is needed.

Step 3: Leave an Honest Review

Leaving an accurate review protects other hosts and discourages repeat behavior from the guest.

Keep it factual, professional, and rule-focused.

Step 4: Deep Clean Immediately

Smoking odor spreads fast. Professional cleaning may include:

• Carpet shampooing

• Upholstery treatment

• Air scrubbing or ozone machines

Quick action protects your next guest experience, and your reviews.

Extra Tools to Reduce Lingering Smoke Smell

• HEPA air purifiers

• Charcoal odor absorbers

• Ozone treatment (used only when the unit is vacant)

These tools don’t replace cleaning, but they help speed up recovery.

How Guesty Helps Smoke-Free Hosts Stay Protected

With Guesty, hosts can:

• Automate house rules and pre-arrival messaging

• Track deposits and damage documentation

• Centralize guest communication

• Reduce disputes with clear, logged records

Strong systems reduce stress when rules are broken.

Final Thoughts on Airbnb Smoking Policies

The best way to handle smoking is to prevent it altogether. Clear rules, smart deposits, consistent communication, and fast action protect your property and your bottom line.

While you can’t charge a flat smoking fee, you can enforce consequences, and recover real costs when your rules are violated. A smoke-free rental is easier to clean, easier to manage, and far more likely to earn 5-star reviews.

👉 Need help with your Short-Term Rental?

 Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy on Skool or book a call with the BNB Guardians team for hands-on coaching.