Market Demand

"Smoke-free policies produce higher profits, happier tenants, and a more attractive building." - Jim Bergman, J.D., Ann Arbor, Michigan In Washington state there is a clear demand for smoke-free housing. In 2005, the "Healthy Community Environment Survey" was conducted among Washington renters. Results from the survey indicate that:

  • About 85 percent of renters prefer to live in smoke-free housing
  • More than 95 percent of nonsmokers prefer to live in smoke-free housing
  • 52 percent of people who smoke prefer to live in smoke-free housing

Though some apartment owners hesitate to go smoke-free for fear of losing business, the reality is that the vast majority of the market prefers smoke-free housing.

In 2007, the “Tobacco Policies in Multi-unit Housing Survey” was conducted among Washington landlords and owners. The survey helped to assess their knowledge of the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, and also gathered information from those who have already passed some type of smoke-free policy:

  • About 75 percent say policy enforcement has been easy
  • More than 90 percent say the policy has had no effect on tenant turnover rates, vacancy rates and rent charges
  • About 80 percent say the policy decreased or had no effect on management time
  • About 75 percent say the policy decreased or had no effect on turnover expense

Many landlords report that a no-smoking rule helps them attract and keep tenants who take better care of their units. It’s not often that landlords and owners have such a unique opportunity to make a good business decision while doing something good for the health of their communities.

Download The Benefits of Going Smoke-free.





  • Last Updated: 06/17/08

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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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