Toolkits to help with tobacco in multi-unit housing
Condo Owners
As a condo owner, you’re in the unique position of experiencing many of the same secondhand smoke effects as both landlords and tenants. Fortunately, you have a clear advantage when advocating for a smoke-free policy.
Know the Risks
Fire
Cigarettes are one of the leading causes of residential fires.
Health
The hazards of secondhand smoke are well known. Because of the way buildings are ventilated, secondhand smoke can easily travel into your condo.
Maintenance
Secondhand smoke that seeps into common areas and your unit can leave permanent smells.
Resale
Smoked-in or smoking-adjacent units tend to have a lower resale value and are less sought after than nonsmoking units.
Sample smoke-free policy
Provided by the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in Minnesota, this is an excellent example of a smoke-free condominium policy. It can be used as a template or guide and modified by your condo association to fit your needs. It prohibits smoking of all commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, everywhere on association property.
Download sample smoke-free policy