Third of smokers ‘lie to rent home’

A new survey has found that 38% of landlords will throw out tenants caught smoking in their properties, indicating a strong shift in attitude towards smokers.

With only 7% of landlords agreeing to allow tenants to smoke in their properties, more than six out of 10 smokers are living in non-smoking accommodation, of which over a third lie about their habit in order to rent the home.

According to flatshare website

Easyroommate.co.uk nearly a third of smokers say they have considered giving up the habit as restrictions are being ramped up.

Only about one fifth of fellow tenants are prepared to share a home with smokers, while more than a third do not want their housemates to smoke inside the property.

Jonathan Moore, the director of Easyroommate.co.uk, said: “With smoking in pubs and restaurants off the cards, the last refuge for smoking – at home – is being eroded now, too.

“There’s been a strong shift in attitudes towards smoking, and the tolerance levels of smokers since the smoking ban. Smoker-friendly accommodation has been squeezed as a result.”

Copyright Press Association 2010