In-Depth Review

A rental property management business with a growing footprint was looking for effective and reliable smoking detection and prevention technology. They needed technology which could function without on-site staff and in different property types and multiple-room apartments.

They wanted technology with a service model which could grow with them. “We are a growing company – we try to figure out how we can improve our processes,” said the rental operations manager.

“We had established guidelines for no-smoking before FreshAir. But when we found FreshAir, we thought it was a good fit to help us with smoking issues.”

One of the biggest issues was locating unauthorized smoking in a large building. Before using FreshAir, the rental operations managers would send general notices to everyone in the building with reminders that smoking is not allowed.

“We used to send reminders to everyone in the building,” said the rental operations manager. “Before we couldn’t narrow down which unit it was specifically. You can’t accuse anyone without having concrete evidence. FreshAir gives us an opportunity to nail down who is smoking and feel sure who it is.”

Because they were not able to pinpoint the location of the smoking, the rental managers could not intervene to prevent complaints and damage.

Not able to stop smoking immediately, they ran the risk of taking units out of order for extended time during turnovers to clean, make repairs, and try to eliminate smoking smells.

The unauthorized smoking strained relationships with residents, building management, building owners, and other building staff. FreshAir Smoking Sensors provided an effective smoking detection solution, creating less work and a cleaner, safer environment for everyone on property.

Before using FreshAir, the rental managers would try to search for physical evidence. “By having FreshAir in our units, we have been able to nail down who is smoking and get them to stop or get them out. Having evidence to know who is breaking the rules and preventing them from renting with us again has been a huge benefit.”

The rental managers report that FreshAir Smoking Alerts help enforce their no-smoking policy and promise. Timestamped FreshAir Smoking Alerts serve as scientific proof of smoking in the monitored spaces.

The rental company now uses FreshAir Smoking Detection and operations best practices to enhance its smoking prevention procedures. They have installed FreshAir devices in all property types and unit sizes.

“We decided to put FreshAir sensors in every apartment in Chicago and are moving forward with every property,” said the rental operations manager.

“We see smoking issues all over. As much as you see rules posted, people aren’t going to follow them.” They are keen “to maintain a fresh and welcoming environment.”