Inconsiderate, intimidating neighbors cause depression and anxiety?

I’m truly relating to how you feel, in Canada where I live cannabis is legal and this has opened another problem for me. People are smoking and vaping in their homes and on their balconies day and night and even if I keep my windows closed it gets inside my apartment. It’s not just the drugs, cigarettes are another issue here and I’m constantly plagued by their pollution. I’ve tried sending polite notes to them but they’re totally disregarded, they feel that they’re not breaking any laws so my efforts are ignored. Of course I can always move but the rents here are very high and I pay a little less because I’ve been living here for a long time, I can’t afford to move because I’m on a fixed income so I sometimes feel trapped. My health is not great and I have respiratory problems so it’s very difficult to survive here. The landlord doesn’t help because they aren’t breaking any rules and most newcomers pay higher rents than I do. This is an ongoing problem with no resolution in sight and it truly causes me to feel very helpless and hopeless.

You could look into the law concerning nuisance smoke, which may also be a form of trespass. You may have a solution with that. You are not alone so maybe there are some remedies for you. In the meantime you could like into air filter machines that may not also remove smoke but other particulates in the air and that may be beneficial to you as well.

In my case the tenants are using an illegal substance(s) and using threats against others while they do so on the apartment complex property. This is very different than just nuisance smoke. Not to minimize your issue but what I'm going through is like a piece of hell.

I totally agree with you, your situation is definitely different and falls under total harassment. These people are clearly morons who enjoy hurting innocent people trying to live their lives in a safe environment. I do realize that my situation is purely unfortunate and these tenants are not doing this to bother their neighbours intentionally, we do have smoke free buildings but they’re condos and that’s definitely out of my league.

Actually the people here are not doing anything intentionally other than using threatening behavior to try to cause people to not report their illegal behavior (they got that wrong!). It's more than harassment. I can't believe I have been subjected to this. Where did these people come from? "The Hood"? They are definitely are morons. My goodness!

In your case I believe you may have a case for "nuisance" and "trespass". You may want to look into it more. I have also heard that air purification machines can be a good idea, too.

I actually bought an air purifier when the pandemic started, it helps with dust and other particles but alas, it doesn’t have a lot to offer with smoke pollution. I’ve lived in this place for a long time but it’s never been as bad for smoke pollution like it is now, so many changes and not always for the better. I’m going to look into what you mentioned earlier, I’m not sure if it’s the same in Canada, I’ve never heard of it but no harm in checking it out, thanks.

I believe Canadian housing law is similar to US law in general in many respects. You probably have a right in your home to not be disturbed by noxious smoke or even odor of tobacco and marihuana by neighbors. There certainly may be a remedy here.

I’m truly relating to how you feel, in Canada where I live cannabis is legal and this has opened another problem for me. People are smoking and vaping in their homes and on their balconies day and night and even if I keep my windows closed it gets inside my apartment. It’s not just the drugs, cigarettes are another issue here and I’m constantly plagued by their pollution. I’ve tried sending polite notes to them but they’re totally disregarded, they feel that they’re not breaking any laws so my efforts are ignored. Of course I can always move but the rents here are very high and I pay a little less because I’ve been living here for a long time, I can’t afford to move because I’m on a fixed income so I sometimes feel trapped. My health is not great and I have respiratory problems so it’s very difficult to survive here. The landlord doesn’t help because they aren’t breaking any rules and most newcomers pay higher rents than I do. This is an ongoing problem with no resolution in sight and it truly causes me to feel very helpless and hopeless.

Hi Frouke,
I'm so sorry that you are having these breathing problems and such inconsiderate neighbors! I understand not being able to move. Rents are expensive everywhere now! I pay $1000 per month for the piece of land that my mobile home which I own, sits on! However, I have some home remedies that may help a little with your breathing issues:
- Mentholatum - Put some in your nose and you won't smell the marijuana or cigarette smoke. It helps you breathe better also.
- Put some cinnamon in a pan of water and simmer it on your stove. It will make the whole house smell like cinnamon and not smoke.
- Spray Lysol spray all over your house and also outside where they stand and smoke. It does clean odors. I use it all the time.
Prayer works the best! Just ask God to help you with this situation. He knows of all your needs and will direct you to the right solution.
I'll say a prayer for you.
PML

When are you moving?