Post-Tenant Smoke Cleanup
Heavy cigarette/cannabis residue from previous tenants - rental turnover scope.
Post-tenant smoke cleanup is a common rental-property scope. Years of indoor smoking embeds residue in walls, ceilings, carpet, cabinetry, and HVAC. Painting over does NOT solve it - the odor returns in days. Proper cleaning + primer is the only path.
First-hour checklist
- 1
Document conditions before any cleanup (security deposit + insurance documentation).
- 2
Don't paint over yet - it traps the residue and sets it permanently.
- 3
Call us at 240-291-8439 for an assessment.
How Catalyst handles post-tenant
- Step 1
Surface cleaning
TSP or specialized cleaners on all hard surfaces - walls, ceilings, cabinets, fixtures.
- Step 2
Carpet + soft surface treatment
Often replacement is more cost-effective than cleaning for years of embedded smoke.
- Step 3
HVAC duct cleaning
Mandatory - smoke residue coats the entire system.
- Step 4
Hydroxyl deodorization
3-7 days of hydroxyl treatment for complete odor removal.
- Step 5
Odor-blocking primer recommendation
Before paint, a sealing primer (Kilz Original or similar) is needed to lock in any residual.
Insurance generally doesn't cover this (treated as wear/maintenance). Tenant security deposit may apply for portion. We provide detailed documentation for landlord-tenant disputes.
All carrier-specific claim guidancePost-Tenant Smoke Cleanup — FAQ
No. The odor will return within days as the residue offgasses through paint. Proper cleaning + odor-blocking primer + paint is the only durable solution.
For light residue: deep extraction cleaning may save it. For years of heavy smoking: replacement is typically more cost-effective and the only way to fully eliminate odor.
Post-Tenant loss right now?
Catalyst crews stage across MD, PA, WV, and VA — call now or request emergency response.