How to Go Smoke-Free

Smoke-free policies attract residents and help your bottom line. - Jim Bergman

Property managers and owners who have implemented no-smoking policies report that they are easy to implement and easy to enforce. Download “Smoke-free Housing: The Right Decision” to learn more.

Most decision-makers find that policies can be implemented in five steps:

  • 1. Get tenant input. Including tenants in the process can build support and help prepare for the transition:

    • Start by talking to tenants about your plan to go smoke-free. Include them in the decision – chances are, the majority of them already prefer smoke-free housing.
    • Consider conducting a survey to get input from tenants about their preferences. Assess how many tenants are bothered by secondhand smoke, how many smoke, how many smoke inside, etc.
    • Provide talking points to staff to help them start talking about the benefits of going smoke-free.
    • If appropriate, hold a meeting with tenants to discuss the change. Explain why you’re going smoke-free and what the change will mean for residents.
    • Download a sample tenant handout and Facts about Secondhand Smoke.
  • 2. Develop your policy. You’ll want to be as specific as possible when developing your policy and including it in your lease language. Your policy can apply to the entire property, including indoor common areas, individual units, private outdoor areas (desks, patios, etc.) and outdoor common areas. Consider the following in your lease language:

    • Where smoking is and is not allowed (indoors and out)
    • Who the policy applies to (tenants, guests, staff, service persons, etc.)
    • The definition of smoking
    • Effective dates for new and current tenants
    • Consequences for violations
    • Whether to have a designated outdoor smoking area at least 25 feet away from the building and common areas
    • Download sample lease language
    A policy that covers the whole property will have the biggest impact on reducing cleaning and repair costs, reducing fire risk, and making the building healthier for residents.

  • 3. Communicate the policy. Washington state law requires that you give current residents at least 30-days notice before changing any rules—and a longer period can help people adapt and improve compliance. One way to inform residents is to send out a notification letter, including:

    • What the policy covers
    • Reasons for the policy (reducing fire risk, improving health, protecting the property, etc.)
    • Effective date for the policy
    • Resources for quitting smoking such as the free Washington State Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT-NOW, www.quitline.com)
    Once you’ve communicated the policy, prepare to have tenants sign a lease addendum on the date you go smoke-free, or upon lease renewal.

    For prospective residents, make sure to advertise your property as smoke-free. Explain the policy clearly, and again at lease signing.

  • 4. Implement the Policy. How you implement a no-smoking policy will depend on the type of leases you have in your building.

    New leases: For residents who move in on or after the effective date of the no-smoking policy, include the policy in all new leases.

    Current leases: Many landlords add the no-smoking policy when a lease expires, during lease renewal. The no-smoking clause can be added sooner if a resident voluntarily agrees to a lease change before his or her lease expires.

    Month-to-month leases: Residents on a month-to-month lease require 30-days notice before a policy change. The no-smoking policy can go into effect on the first day of the lease term (the day rent is due), 30 days after the resident has received notice.

    The easiest time to implement a no-smoking policy is when opening a new building, or when re-leasing a unit that has just been renovated.

  • 5. Enforce your policy. Three out of four Washington state landlords who have implemented a no-smoking policy indicate it’s easy to enforce. You can enforce your smoke-free policy like any other rule:

    • Include it in the rental agreement
    • Tell tenants about it during the application phase and at move-in
    • Post signs and stickers to remind residents and guests of the policy
    • Hold tenants financially responsible for bringing the unit back to its original condition
    • Visit the property and perform inspections
    • Use the same warnings and penalties for the no-smoking policy as you do for other rules, like trash removal, pets or rent payment
    • Respond promptly to complaints about violations
    • Use a system of warning letters and eviction procedures when tenants don’t comply.  (Download a model warning letter for tenants.) 

Find local contact information for help adopting a smoke-free policy here.





  • Last Updated: 02/24/10

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    This Web site contains information on the revised Clean Indoor Air Act (RCW 70.160). It is not legal advice. This information cannot be considered as a substitute for legal advice from and representation by a qualified attorney.

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