Why it happens in this neighborhood
River North is a destination for breweries, galleries, music and food, and many visitors come from states where cannabis is not legal. They can buy it legally in Colorado, then discover that smoking it in public, in parks or on the street is not allowed. The rental becomes the obvious place, regardless of what the house rules say. Cigarette smokers who would normally step outside sometimes do the same on a cold night or a high-floor unit with no balcony.
A single evening of smoking in a modern apartment or loft usually produces a smell that is strong but shallow: it sits in the soft goods, the air and the surfaces nearest where the person sat. That is very different from years of residue, and it is often fixable before the next guest if you act in the right order. Denver also requires short-term rental hosts to hold a city license and generally limits rentals to the host's primary residence, so check the current rules if you are new to hosting.
The first day after checkout
A rough order for a same-day or next-day turnover.
- On arrival
- Photograph every room before touching anything: ashtrays, butts, ash on surfaces, burn marks, the thermostat setting and any open or closed windows. Note the time.
- First half hour
- Open windows if weather allows, set the HVAC fan to run, and remove ashtrays, trash and any leftover product from the unit entirely.
- First hour
- Strip all bedding, throws, towels, pillow covers and washable cushion covers. Start laundry or bag them for an outside laundry service.
- Next two hours
- Wipe hard surfaces from high to low: light fixtures, fan blades, window glass, tables, counters. Replace the HVAC filter. Vacuum upholstery and rugs thoroughly.
- Mid-afternoon
- Close the unit for an hour, then come back in from outside and smell it fresh. Decide whether the next stay can proceed or needs to be moved.
- Before the next check-in
- Make the call on professional treatment, report the damage through the booking platform within its deadline, and message the incoming guest if their stay must change.
Evidence to keep for a damage claim
Questions to settle before your next booking
- Does the listing state the smoking rule clearly, including cannabis and vaping, and the cleaning fee for breaking it?
- Is there a covered place outside where guests can be directed, and is that allowed by the building?
- Do you have spare bedding, curtains and cushion covers so a smoked set can be removed immediately?
- Does the building or HOA allow short-term rentals at all, and does it require notice about odor complaints?
- Would a small smoke-free reminder near the door and balcony reduce repeat problems?
General information for RiNo, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.