Market Demand

The demand for smoke-free housing in Washington state is clear. In 2007, the "Healthy Community Environment Survey" was conducted among Washington renters. Results from the survey indicate that:

• About 86 percent of renters prefer to live in smoke-free housing
• More than 95 percent of nonsmokers prefer to live in smoke-free housing
• 54 percent of people who smoke prefer to live in smoke-free housing

In 2007, the “Tobacco Policies in Multi-unit Housing Survey” was conducted among Washington landlords and owners. The survey 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. Download The Benefits of Going Smoke-free and then learn How to Go Smoke-free.

• 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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