House or Hazard? My Allergies Won’t Let Me Move into a Smoker’s Home

When a great financial opportunity comes with hidden health hazards, tough decisions must be made. A 29-year-old woman recently faced this dilemma when her boyfriend’s family offered them the chance to move into his late grandmother’s house—a property paid off and maintained with considerable effort.

While the deal could significantly ease their monthly expenses, her history of allergies and prior negative experiences in the house, filled with stale cigarette smoke, led to severe allergic reactions and panic attacks. This situation has sparked a fierce debate about whether saving money is worth compromising one’s health.

‘AITA for refusing to move into my boyfriend’s late grandmother’s house even though it would save us and his family money?’

Allergy specialists warn that exposure to third-hand smoke can be a serious health hazard, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Even when a smoker has long ceased smoking in a home, toxic residues can linger in porous materials and deeply affect air quality. Standard cleaning and repainting are often insufficient remedies, sometimes requiring extensive remediation or even structural overhaul to remove the odor and pollutants.

Environmental and housing experts recommend professional smoke remediation for properties with a history of heavy smoking. In many cases, a deep clean with ozone machines or other specialized equipment is needed. While these methods can reduce the smell, they are not foolproof—especially for those with severe allergies. This means that a bargain may quickly turn into a health nightmare if the risks aren’t fully mitigated.

Legal and financial advisors also highlight that, although a low monthly rent is appealing, one must weigh long-term health costs against short-term savings. Chronic exposure to residual smoke can lead to ongoing medical expenses and a reduced quality of life. It’s essential to consider whether the savings truly justify the potential health risks, as such a decision may have far-reaching consequences.

Finally, relationship and housing counselors advise that compromises in home-buying should benefit both partners. When one partner’s health is at stake, it’s important that their concerns are taken seriously. Exploring alternative solutions—like finding a home with a separate guest suite or investing in thorough remediation—might bridge the gap between financial prudence and ensuring a safe, healthy living environment for everyone involved.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit users overwhelmingly supported her decision. Many pointed out that living in a house permeated with stale cigarette smoke is a serious health risk, especially for someone with allergies. Commenters emphasized that no financial deal is worth compromising your well-being, and several shared similar experiences of severe allergic reactions in smoking-infested environments.

Some suggested that the couple should consider professional remediation or alternative housing options like a detached guest house, rather than settling for a bargain that jeopardizes health. The consensus was clear: her refusal to move in is entirely justified.

This situation highlights the difficult balance between saving money and protecting one’s health. While the offer to move into a paid-off family home is financially attractive, the long-lasting effects of third-hand smoke and the risk to her well-being cannot be ignored. It raises an important question: Is it ever worth compromising your health for a financial bargain? How would you approach finding a solution that works for both partners? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and join the discussion on balancing practicality with personal health and safety.