Smoke Free Housing Tool Kits

Ever given thought to having a smoke free property?  New toolkits can help you move forward with that idea. It is important to give tenants proper notice, and provide a “smoking area” if at all possible. Check out the HUD, HHS AND HEALTH GROUPS ANNOUNCE NEW SMOKE-FREE HOUSING TOOLS press release.

These new toolkits are available to help owners/management agents to adopt smoke-free policies that will help protect your residents and staff from second-hand smoke and greatly reduce property maintenance costs.

Additionally, the new toolkits advise private landlords and public housing authorities to:

• Advertise units as non-smoking to attract tenants who either don’t smoke or only smoke outside;
• Talk to prospective tenants about their smoke-free policy when showing the property;
• Include no-smoking policies in lease agreements and read through the rule with tenants as they sign their leases;
• Display no-smoking signage in buildings and on the property;
• Consider partnering with organizations to offer smoking cessation support to residents;
• Inform tenants that if they smoke in their units, they will be financially responsible for the costs of restoring the unit;
• Use the same warning/enforcement methods for smoke-free rule violations used for any other lease infractions; and
• Visit and inspect properties regularly.

Go to Toolkits for Owners/Management Agents and Residents for more information.

Download a copy of the Owners’ Toolkit.

Download a copy of the Residents’ Toolkit.

These two kits will provide your staff and residents with vital information for creating a smoke free environment. There are pamphlets, flyers and information sheets about second-hand smoke.  Some the material is provided in Spanish.