If you value a smokefree living environment, you probably know that smokefree buildings help to protect you and your family’s health from the hazards associated with secondhand smoke. Did you know that a building that is smokefree is much less likely to catch fire? More and more renters are saying “YES!” to smokefree living and are making it an important factor in deciding where to live.

How do I find a no-smoking apartment building?

Here are some tips that will help you find an apartment that is just right for you!

Whenever you call or visit a property, ask these questions about smoking policies:

1. If the property is a smokefree property, find out if the policy applies to everyone, or just new tenants. Ask if the non-smoking rule covers indoor common areas, rental units, and any places outside.
2. Ask if there are any tenants who currently smoke inside or out, and where they smoke. If they are smoking anywhere in the building, and there is shared ventilation, it is likely that secondhand smoke will get into your unit. If they smoke outside near your windows or doors, it could also drift inside your unit.
3. Ask about enforcement. Does the landlord check to make sure no one is smoking? How would the landlord respond if you made a complaint about a smoking neighbor? If a tenant or their guest is smoking, what would the landlord do about it?
4. Are signs posted to make visitors aware of the no-smoking rule?
5. Did the previous tenant smoke? If so, what did the landlord do to clean the apartment? Restoration companies strongly recommend that after a smoker moves out, landlords should remove and replace things like carpeting and curtains, and clean all appliances, bath and lighting fixtures, tub surrounds, bath vanities and all door and window openings.

What if I already live in a building that allows smoking?

It is vitally important to have an open dialogue with your landlord if you are having a problem with secondhand smoke. If no one speaks up, landlords assume that there is no problem.

Here are some tips on how to talk to both your landlord and neighbors. Sample documents to get you started on all of these steps can be found at: www.smokefreehousingNW.com.

• 1. Inform your landlord in writing that you are having a problem with secondhand smoke and keep copies of all correspondence. It would be wise to send things by certified mail with a return receipt. Also, your landlord might not know the business benefits associated with going smokefree—you can print off a landlord guide that describes these benefits at: www.smokefreehousingNW.com.