Re: "Landlords shouldn't rule out smokers," Aug. 3.
As a former landlord, I would like to point out that it is appropriate to abide by the landlord's legally set rules and requirements. It is not appropriate for the tenant to dictate what those rules should be.
Individually, smokers or pet-owners are not necessarily bad tenants, but as a group, they do tend to cost more.
A professional or steadily employed person is not necessarily a good tenant, but as a group, they do tend to cost less and are hence more desirable prospects.
It is appropriate for tenants to spend their money as they wish. It is not appropriate to tell a landlord how to spend the landlord's money.
A frustrated landlord might be forgiven for telling a demanding tenant to get out in the real world and buy his or her own place.
In short, if you risk the money, you make the rules.
Lori Hamilton
Cobble Hill
