About Smokefree Housing
Not only does smokefree housing protect the health of your tenants, it reduces your costs, risk, and liability as well.
The Facts:
- Smokefree policies are legal
Smokefree policies are not discriminatory. There is no constitutional right to smoke and people who smoke are not a protected class. A smokefree building does not mean that people who smoke cannot live in the building, or that people who smoke must quit. It simply means that people cannot smoke inside the building or in other areas specified in the policy, such as on balconies and patios. - Smoking costs you money
A recent study found that costs in properties that allow smoking everywhere were nearly double that of smoking-related costs incurred at smokefree properties, and compared to smokefree units, cleaning and refurbishing costs can be up to $3,000 more in units with heavy smoking. Maintenance and refurbishing expenses are not the only costs associated with allowing smoking in your building: Nationally, fires caused by cigarette smoking result in over $300 million in property loss each year. - Just one tenant can negatively affect an entire building
An estimated 7,600 smoking-related fires occur in residential buildings each year in the US. Fires caused by smoking are the leading cause of residential fire deaths in the U.S., accounting for 14% of fire deaths in residential buildings. Additionally, secondhand smoke can drift through buildings and enter common areas and units through vents, doors, windows, hallways, electrical outlets, and through gaps around fixtures and walls. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. - The majority of people want smokefree housing
Smokefree building policies can appeal to your current residents as well as new potential residents in your market. Non-smokers are the majority in every state. Additionally, surveys show that many smokers already choose not to smoke inside, in order to protect the health of their families and to prevent damage to their belongings.
Source: Copyright 2014 American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation
Additional Resources
- For answers to frequently asked questions, a model smokefree lease addendum, advice for enforcing a smokefree housing policy, and more, visit the ANRF website.
- An apartment managers guide to smokefree housing
- How to restore a smoke-damaged apartment
- Housing industry webinars
- Smokefree Housing Initiative
- CDC Infographic
