Redditor Forbids His Brother To Stay At Their Holiday Family House Because He Is Smoker

"I said that if he does not smoke while he is here (not just in the house/yard, but at all), he is welcome to stay."

Filip

• Published in Interesting
• August 14, 2023

Smoking, especially tobacco products, releases a distinct and strong smell. This smell is often described as stale and acrid, and it can be unbearable to many, especially non-smokers.

Over time, repeated exposure can result in the smell embedding itself in clothing, furniture, and even walls, making it challenging to eliminate. So, when a Reddit user asked for unbiased opinions regarding his potential smoker guest, people had a lot to say.

The OP explained that he purchased 80% of their family's vacation home abroad, intending to make it his primary residence. He plans to buy the rest later when his finances are more stable.

The OP's brother is a long-term smoker and wants to visit for a few weeks. Given the OP's strong aversion to smoking (so intense he's ended friendships over it), he requested that his brother abstain from smoking entirely during his stay, even outside the property.

This demand was denied by his brother. He argued that since the OP doesn't own the entire house, he should be able to smoke if he wants.

When the OP asked for their parents' opinion, they sided with the brother, calling the OP's demands unreasonable. As a compromise, the OP offered to cover half of Airbnb's cost for the brother's stay in the area.

But this was also rejected by the family, who felt it wasn't a proper way to treat closest relatives. Furthermore, the OP explained that despite his brother smoking only outdoors at their parent's home, he can still smell the smoke on indoor things.

But the parents disagree with this and indicate it's all in the OP's head. The parents also now demand that the OP either let the brother stay or buy out their share immediately.

But the OP remains firm, feeling his matters are being overlooked by the family and seeking opinions on the matter.

The original question:

The OP explained he owns most of their family house abroad and lives in it:

The OP's brother is a long-term smoker and wants to visit for a few weeks, but the OP can't stand the smell of cigarettes:

So, the OP requested him to abstain from smoking entirely while visiting:

Since his request was denied, the OP offered an alternative solution, which was also denied:

The OP's parents have sided with his brother, but the OP remains firm with his decision and feels his needs are being neglected:

A Redditor agreed that the smell of cigarettes is too strong and can't be entirely eliminated

"It's harsh but you live there and own it"

A Redditor was curious about the OP's legal right to the house:

The OP explained:

"Your parents are being unreasonable"

One Redditor said they think the OP's request is extreme

"NTA because it is your residence"

Redditors told the OP since he lives in the house, he has the final say. They also agree with him that the smoking smell is too strong to tolerate, and they understand him.

But what do you think? Does the OP have the right to ban his brother from the family house just because he is a smoker?

Filip