Implementing a No-Smoking Policy in Your Building

The harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke are well-documented, with tobacco use being a leading cause of illness and preventable death in the U.S. and Canada. Beyond personal health implications, smoking poses risks to buildings by increasing fire hazards, potential property damage, insurance costs, and legal liabilities. Residents often complain about secondhand smoke seeping into their living spaces, litter from cigarette butts, and the negative aesthetics of ashtrays in community areas. These concerns have led many residential buildings to consider smoke-free policies.

A completely smoke-free building prohibits smoking both indoors and outdoors, covering individual units and all shared spaces like lobbies, stairwells, and grounds. Some policies allow smoking only in designated outdoor areas. A no-smoking policy benefits residents by enhancing their health, protecting property, and improving overall quality of life.

If you're considering a smoke-free policy, enlisting expertise from a property management company is invaluable. Such a decision should involve resident consensus and adhere to the building's regulatory documents.

Here are some steps to facilitate a smoke-free transition:

Form a Committee

Involving residents from the beginning is crucial for securing essential support. Assemble a diverse group of homeowners, board members, and possibly health professionals to evaluate the current situation, gauge resident support, explore options, and draft a policy.

Solicit Homeowner Feedback

Decide if you aim for a fully smoke-free environment or prefer restricted smoking areas. Should the ban extend to individual units or just exterior spaces like balconies? Poll residents for their views. Do they experience secondhand smoke issues? Are there smokers in their household? Would they favor a smoking ban and to what degree? Use this feedback to align the policy with the interests of the majority.

Consult Your Governing Documents

Review the necessary steps for policy amendments and the required voting threshold. Consulting with a community association attorney ensures compliance with legal procedures. Some restrictions might only need board regulations, while others might require document amendments, which the attorney can facilitate.

Communicate with Homeowners

When amendments are needed and voting is required, collaborate with your attorney and property management team to inform residents. Share comprehensive details about the proposed policy, voting requirements, and enforcement plans through emails, newsletters, and meetings. Educating residents about the benefits of quitting smoking and offering resources to support smoking cessation can further aid in gaining support.

Highlight the advantages of a smoke-free environment to residents, emphasizing its impact on building recognition if pursuing LEED Certification. Controlling Environmental Tobacco Smoke is pivotal for the U.S. and Canadian Green Building Councils, potentially expediting certification. This not only safeguards resident health but also the building's infrastructure, such as ventilation systems and interior treatments. The USGBC places significant importance on smoke control, more than other factors like green cleaning and indoor air quality. Smoke-free buildings often boast higher resale and rental values.

By establishing a smoke-free policy, you enhance resident health, quality of life, and the appeal and value of your building, ensuring a healthier future.