Tobacco-Free Housing

Everyone deserves to breathe clean air, especially at home. In multi-unit residences, tobacco smoke infiltrates neighboring units, entering through the smallest of openings and exposing other residents to toxic chemicals. Prohibiting tobacco use in multi-unit housing is the only way to fully prevent tenants’ exposure to secondhand smoke while at home. Tobacco-free housing policies offer additional benefits to landlords by alleviating costs to remove odors and stains caused by tobacco use, potentially reducing fire insurance premiums, and reducing liability for harms resulting from a tenant’s unwanted exposure to smoke. Further, tobacco-free housing helps to reduce the visibility and social acceptability of tobacco use, promoting health equity and a tobacco-free community norm. Visit our resources below for more information on tobacco-free housing policies.

Resources:

New York Guide to Smoke Free Cooperatives
Guide outlining the steps necessary to establish an effective tobacco-free policy in cooperative housing.

New York Guide to Smoke Free Condominiums
Guide outlining the steps necessary to establish an effective tobacco-free policy in condominium housing.

New York Landlord Smoke-Free Housing Toolkit
Toolkit assisting property owners in the development and adoption of a tobacco-free policy in a residential building or complex.

New York Tenant's Guide to Smoke Free Housing
Guide providing information to tenants about their right to breathe clean air in multi-unit buildings, as well as guidance on how to work with neighbors and property owners to reduce or eliminate secondhand exposure to tobacco use.