Secondhand smoke can seep into neighboring residences in multi-unit housing complexes, and third-hand smoke can linger on walls, curtains, carpet and other surfaces. Secondhand and third-hand smoke can also damage property and lead to increased expenses and liability for rental owners. 

As of August 2018, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 
ruled to require all public housing to be smoke-free. Many private rental owners are choosing to provide smoke-free housing and to implement smoke-free and/or vape-free policies, as well. Smoke-free housing contributes to the health and well being of residents. Homeowners and rental owners can also benefit from going smoke-free through:

  • Lower insurance costs
  • Reduced fire risk
  • Higher resale value
  • Reduced staff time
  • Lower turnover costs
  • Meeting higher demand for smokefree housing

Although vaping is a newer trend, we do know that e-cigarettes and vaping devices emit an aerosol, which can also have secondhand and third-hand risks. In addition to this, e-cigarettes and vaping devices can pose fire hazard risks due to battery malfunction. 

The following resources are available to help implement smoke-free and vape-free policies:

Smoke-Free Housing Toolkit

Smoke-Free Housing: A Blueprint to Going Smoke-Free

Going Smokefree Matters Multiunit Housing Infographic

Going Smokefree Matters in Your Home Infographic

Tobacco Use and Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Multi-unit Housing Infographic in Englisor Spanish.