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 English or Spanish.