Smoke and cooking smells through vent

[woodmaple]

I've lived in a townhouse for 3 months and am trying to figure out how to fix the smoke and kitchen smells that are coming through my vents from my neighbours on one side. Everyone I've asked says this shouldn't be happening but it definitely is! And my clothes are starting to take on the smoke smell. It doesn't matter which room or which floor I'm on (main, 2nd or basement)- they all get the same smells. Even in the garage I smell the smoke when the neighbours are having their cigarettes.

What can I do to fix it- and what type of repair person should I call? I'm assuming it's a problem with the pipes or ventilation system. I notice that when the furnace kicks on, the smell comes up a lot stronger.

Right now I'm living with the windows open all the time. I'm so frustrated- please help with a suggestion!!

[HayZee518]

sounds like ALL vents are feeding into a common vent with no swing dampers on any of the individual outlets. the kitchen vent should have a gravity operated damper on its outlet pipe as should other appliances that use a vent system. the dampers may have been removed - for what reason I don't know but its a place to start to check.

[woodmaple]

What type of repairperson would be my best bet to ask?