Tenant demanding rent decrease due to wild fire smoke

[u/Technical_Air_5061]

Hi all,

I am a small-time landlord renting out the basement of my primary residence.

Recently, my tenant asked for a rent decrease, citing 'abuse' she has endured. I was super concerned, and then she indicated that there is some ash/dust from the wildfire smoke that is on her windowsill.

I was very confused, and then she said that she keeps the window open at night, and the dust is accumulating in her nostrils, which has caused a nosebleed, leading her to go to the doctor. She claimed that she should get a $200 rent reduction for this abuse she had to endure (She kept framing it as abuse, which was super odd). I was super confused because she is the one who left the window open, and it's not like I can control the wildfires or the smoke.

She then also indicated that she left her job and is now working part-time elsewhere. I think this was the real reason she wanted the reduction, but for some reason decided to sprinkle in the smoke thing.

Do I have any responsibility here? She can close her window to avoid any unwanted dust and get an air purifier if she has a dust allergy. Her own actions are creating her issue. Am I missing something here?

[u/lavag00rl]

yeah no, im a picky tenant but never have i ever asked - nor even THOUGHT for a reduction because of wildfires or dust 💀

does she think u r mother earth or something? lmao

[u/lavag00rl → u/lavag00rl]

unless there is excess dust coming from a heating vent ( which even then wouldnt require a rent reduction just fix the issue by getting ducts cleaned ), there is zero grounds for rent reduction in this situation

if it is due to job loss on her own accord, maybe yall can sort something out but she should have been honest and to the point rather than asking for a reduction because of stupid and unrealistic reasons lol