A: Sounds like you just had some rotten egg renters. But for the future, you can be sure to post on your contact, in your directions and inside the unit that this is absolutely non-smoking. Recently, I stayed in a Marriott and they had signs in the room and in the bathroom that touted the smoke-free zone as well as a clear message that there will be a $300 fee for evidence of smoking in the room. http://www.marriott.com/marriott.mi?page=smokefree.

I think the bit about not allowing people to smoke outside of your vacation home might seem a bit extreme and very difficult to police. If you truly wish to stop people from smoking outside, you must be sure to tell them in all forms of your communications including via the phone.

As far as keeping the damage/security deposit, you can only keep the amount that it costs you to clean the property. So, if it costs $200 to steam clean the carpets and upholstery and $100 for your housekeeper's time, you can only charge your renters $300.

To help prevent future occurrences, you can stipulate in your rental agreement that a $200 (or whatever amount you deem reasonable) FINE will be charged to the renters if there is any evidence of smoking inside or outside of the property.

How do you enforce a no-smoking policy in your vacation rental home? "In my rental contract it states that any evidence of smoking inside or outside the home will incur a $250 fine. So far, it's worked for me." -Abigail G., San Diego, CA. "When our vacation home rental is finished being rebuilt, we will be posting a photo of our home that burnt to the ground by a renters cigerate. We had very strict non smoking rules but there are just some people that will not follow the rules. Thank God for our insurance company and a recently updated policy with increased coverage amounts. I will still rent out our home but we will be adding a page in our welcome book with this story and photos. Maybe you should condider a story on the importance of an insurance policy review." -Michelle, Big Bear Lake, CA  "I am a former smoker and can smell it a mile away. We post it on our website at the reservations page, along with the comment "Immediate Lockout" if smoking is detected plus a $500 fine. That goes for pets as well. We do not allow smoking or pets on the property or in the unit. I don't want to clean up cigarette butts or pet leave-behinds and certainly don't want my next guest to see them either! So far, we haven't had to enforce it. When we go over the lease, which I do in person when they arrive, it states in big, bold print '$500 fine and immediate lockout for the following'...I have them initial next to that section that they read it and understand. I think it gets the point across. Then I tell a short story about some renters who wanted to rent the unit for a party and trashed the place, that is why our restrictions are so strong." -Christi, South Carolina

The Top Ten Things You Should Have In Your Vacation Rental Rules A good rental policy can go a long way toward protecting you and your renters from common vacation rental disasters   Checklist for Creating a Thorough Rental Agreement Make sure you have all the necessary information to protect yourself and your renters   How to Create Enforceable House Rules Learn how to protect your property and manage your liability without micro-managing your vacation rental guests   How to Screen Your Vacation Rental Guests What questions should you ask potential renters before accepting their booking?   © Copyright, Christine Karpinski 2007. U.090420.AF