Guests who smoke in your holiday rental: how to detect it, how much to charge, and how to prevent it

One of the most expensive and silent problems in vacation rentals. The guest leaves, you go in to clean, and the apartment smells like an ashtray. And the next reservation arrives in 4 hours. In this post, I tell you how to prevent it, how to detect it when it happens, how much you can charge, and what to do with platforms when it's time to claim.

Why is it a bigger problem than it seems

A cigarette inside the apartment is not just bad smell. It causes:

• Curtains that absorb smoke and need washing or replacing.
• Sofas and mattresses that retain smell for weeks.
• Walls that yellow over time.
• Smoke detectors going off in the middle of the night.
• And worst of all: negative reviews from the next guests.

A normal cleaning costs between 40 and 80 euros. A deep cleaning with ozone to eliminate tobacco smell can go up to 150-300 euros. And if you need to reupholster a sofa or change curtains, add another 200-500 euros easily.

The real cost of a night with guests smoking inside is not the fine you charge them. It’s the next reservation canceled due to smell, the 2-star review that eats into your reputation, and the hours lost airing out the apartment.

The no-smoking policy: how to draft it well

90% of conflicts over smoking come from poorly drafted or ambiguous policies. Here are the key points.

What it should say exactly

It's not enough to put "no smoking" in the listing and think it's clear. You need to clarify:

• That it is prohibited to smoke any substance inside the property (tobacco, e-cigarettes, vapes, marijuana, hookahs).
• If smoking is allowed on the terrace, balcony, or outside, and under what conditions.
• The amount of penalty if violated.
• That the penalty will be deducted from the deposit or claimed through the platform.

Example of an effective clause

"It is strictly forbidden to smoke inside the property, including conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, vapes, hookahs, and any other substances. Smoking is only permitted on the terrace, with the doors closed. Non-compliance will result in a penalty of €250 for deep cleaning and deodorization, charged to the deposit or claimed through the platform."

Simple, clear, and with a number. Without a number, you won’t get far when claiming.

Where to place it

Everywhere:

• In the listing (Airbnb, Booking, Vrbo).
• In the welcome message before check-in.
• In the welcome manual inside the house.
• On discreet signs in the living room and bedrooms ("Smoke-free zone").
• In the reservation confirmation email.

The more you repeat it, the less room they have to say "I didn’t know".

How to detect if they have smoked

Sometimes it’s obvious (cigarette butts on the table). Other times, they try to hide it. Here are the signs.

Obvious signs

• Cigarette butts in improvised ashtrays (cups, cans, flowerpots).
• Ash on the floor, window sills, or balcony.
• Clear smell upon opening the door.
• Windows wide open in winter (they tried to ventilate).
• New air fresheners that weren’t yours.
• Candles lit or just extinguished.

Subtle signs

• Sheets or towels that smell strange (not necessarily tobacco).
• Curtains with a persistent odor.
• Air conditioner filters dirtier than usual.
• Yellowish stains on walls near windows.
• Small burn marks on sofa, mattress, or table.

The cold smell trick

You notice tobacco smell better if you enter the house closed up. If you open doors and windows right after arriving, the smell dissipates. Enter, close the doors, breathe deeply. If it smells, it smells.

Marijuana: even more complicated

The smell of marijuana is more intense and harder to eliminate. Also, in Spain, consuming it in public places and on others’ property without permission is illegal, so the policy remains the same: prohibited inside and on the terrace. And if you find residues, charge for it.

How much to charge for violations

It depends on the actual damage. These are the effective ranges.

Situation	Suggested penalty
Light smell, no visible damage	€100-150
Clear smell, requires deep cleaning	€200-300
Intense smell + ozone treatment	€300-450
Burns on furniture, sheets, or floor	€150-500 + replacement cost
Next reservation cancels due to smell	Claim the full lost night

Important: the amount must be published before the reservation. If you make it up afterward, the platform won’t support you.

How to claim on platforms

Airbnb

You have 14 days from check-out to claim through the Resolution Center. You need:

• Clear photos of evidence (cigarette butts, ash, stains, burns).
• Video of the apartment smelling (well, a video doesn’t smell, but it shows the overall condition).
• Invoice for deep cleaning or ozone treatment.
• Screenshot of the published policy in your listing.
• Message to the guest offering to resolve amicably before escalating.

Airbnb usually covers up to the amount published in your policy, provided you have evidence.

Booking

Booking is more complicated because charges depend on the guest’s card and your deposit policy. If you work with non-refundable rates or deposits, you have more margin. Otherwise, you can only ask for direct payment.

Vrbo

Vrbo allows claiming the deposit if you had it set up. Without a deposit, little else.

How to prevent it (what really works)

Charging penalties is fine. Not smoking inside is much better.

Filter during booking

On Airbnb, you can set house rules that the guest must actively accept. If they check "no smoking" and then smoke, you have more grounds.

Facilitate the alternative

If you have a terrace or balcony, leave an ashtray outside. A visible ashtray sends the message: "This is where you smoke". Without an ashtray, people tend to improvise (and usually badly).

Air quality sensors

There are devices that detect smoke particles (tobacco and marijuana) without recording audio or video. Brands like Minut or NoiseAware have models that notify your phone if they detect smoke inside. They cost €150-250 and are legal because they don’t invade privacy.

Similar to noise sensors, they are an investment that pays for itself if you have a property with a history of issues.

Mandatory smoke detectors

Remember that smoke detectors are mandatory in many communities. Besides complying with regulations, they are a good deterrent: if the alarm goes off, the guest knows you know.

Communicate before check-in

In the previous message, remind them. Something like:

"Hello [name], just a reminder that the property is 100% smoke-free. You can smoke on the terrace with the doors closed. Any violation will incur a penalty of €250. Thank you for respecting it."

It’s not aggressive. It’s clear. And many guests change their behavior just knowing you’re attentive.

How to eliminate the smell after it has already occurred

Because it will happen. Sooner or later.

Basic shock cleaning

• Ventilate for at least 4-6 hours with cross-flow.
• Wash all bedding, towels, curtains, and sofa covers.
• Mop floors with water and vinegar.
• Clean windows (smoke sticks to glass).
• Change vacuum bags or empty canisters.

When the smell persists

• Baking soda on carpets and sofas, leave for 12 hours, then vacuum.
• Bowls with vinegar placed around the house for 24 hours.
• Ground coffee in dishes (absorbs odors).
• Quality air fresheners (not cheap ones that only mask).

When nothing works: ozone

An ozone generator treatment practically eliminates any smell. Costs between €80 and €200 depending on the size of the apartment. The apartment must be empty for 4-6 hours and well ventilated afterward. It’s the nuclear solution but almost always works.

If you have many reservations or a property with a history, buying your own generator (€300-500) pays off quickly.

What NOT to do

Some classic mistakes that only make things worse:

• Arguing heatedly via WhatsApp. Wait, breathe, write calmly.
• Threatening without having published the policy. Without a published clause, no claim.
• Charging more than you can justify. If you say €500 but can only prove €200 damage, the platform will give you €200 (or nothing).
• Letting it pass without claiming. If you forgive, next time it’s the same. Set the limit.
• Trusting "I promise I don’t smoke." Smoke doesn’t lie. Promises do.

How Auto-Registration fits in

If you manage holiday homes in Spain, you must send all your guests’ data to SES Hospedajes within 24 hours of check-in. It’s mandatory and the regulation is strict.

Auto-registration does it for you. The guest fills out a web form before arrival, data are sent automatically to SES, and you keep the signed report. It costs €1/month per property. Less than a coffee. And it saves you the hassle of manually uploading data each time someone checks in.

This way, you can focus on what matters: no one smoking a cigar on your sofa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I also prohibit smoking on the terrace?

Yes, it’s your property and you set the rules. Just make it clear in the listing and the manual. Many owners do so if neighbors complain or if smoke enters the apartment.

What if the guest denies smoking and I have proof?

Upload the evidence (photos, invoices, published policy) and let the platform arbitrate. Airbnb usually rules in favor of the host if you have clear evidence. Do not get into direct arguments: escalate to the platform.

Can I put cameras inside to detect smoking?

No. Cameras inside private areas are prohibited. Smoke or air quality sensors are legal because they don’t record audio or video.

How long does tobacco smell last?

With normal cleaning, between 2 and 5 days. With ozone, a few hours. Without deep treatment, it can stay weeks in textiles and mattresses.

Is it worth accepting bookings from smokers?

Some owners do so with a surcharge (e.g., +€50 per night including treatment upon departure). It’s not common in Spain, but it’s an option if your occupancy is low. In high season, it’s not worth it.