My Landlord Is Planning To Charge All The Units In My Building A $500/month Smoking Violation Fee Until They Deem The Entire Building Is 100% Smoke Free

Location: New Jersey, USA, Essex County

The landlord sent out an email to all tenants, including myself, stating they will search thru all the units on 1/31/2026 and subsequently begins charging all tenants a $500/month smoking violation fee until they find the tenant(s) responsible

When we first moved into this unit, my wife complained to them about the smell of cigarette smoke and guy at the office admitted to knowing who the tenant responsible was and said that they’re already paying a smoking fee and that they were going to charge said tenant the cost of a “large fan” to place in the hall to blow air towards the front door.

Our neighbors have also complained about the smell of smoke in the halls as well.

Now, tbh I can care less what people do in the privacy of their home, I used to smoke as well so I am unbothered. However, I am bothered by the fact that they want to charge me $500/month to police my neighbors, some of whom they are already aware of that smoke in their units.

I read the lease over today and there is nothing in there regarding charges due to smoking violations. I am against them searching my home as well but I asked the officer if their search verifies that I have not smoked in my apartment (idk how they’re able to judge that either) would that mean that I do not have to pay $500/month in violations that do not pertain to me - they responded back with “we will make that decision on 1/31 after we’ve searched the apartments”

Also, no one in the office is answering their phone. I even called their corporate office and left a voicemail hoping to hear from someone directly while I’m at work.

Idk what my next steps are or should be.

I’ve checked up on the laws of smoke free housing in NJ as well and I’m at a loss at the moment.

I know not to threaten legal counsel until I’m ready to lawyer up as well.