Meow's Profile

My boyfriend and I smoke on a regular basis, and we live in a small apartment building with two unites above us. We generally smoke on the front step, and probably a few times a day. Before we or our new neighbors moved in, we asked if anyone minded that we smoke out front. We are courteous with our cigarette butts, and either always throw them in the street or in a trash can. I also sweep our front stoop and sidewalk about once a month and never stamp them out in front of other people's houses.

I worry about other people being irritated by the smoke we create, but I don't know how much more courteous we can be. You (as well as myself and my boyfriend) have every right to go outside and have a cigarette on your own property. Perhaps take a page from our book and ask them what bothers them about your smoking outside? That way, the HOA doesn't have to get involved and the problem can be resolved (hopefully) peacefully without calling the authorities in.

I also think that barking all night long should not be tolerated and you should address that when potentially addressing the smoking issue.