Washington landlords struggle with pot laws

Owners of rental property in Washington are reviewing their housing policies in light of the legalization of recreational marijuana by voters in that state.

As KATU reports, many landlords, like Frank Choate, who owns a small apartment complex in Vancouver, are moving to ban smoking of any kind — including tobacco and marijuana — on the properties they lease.

“I’ve taken the side that there’s no smoking, period, on my property because of the new laws and the conflicts of state law and federal statutes,” Choate told KATU. “They’re in conflict. I’m caught in the middle.”

Added landlord Paul Van Baalen, who owns 83 rental units: “People are welcome to do what they want on their own properties, but if you’re a renter, I believe you have to respect the property management’s wishes.”