Staying Smoke-Free

No-smoking rules are largely self-enforcing. Once the rule is established, you are likely to attract tenants who support smoke-free policies.

Here are some ways to keep your properties smoke-free:

Post “No Smoking” signs at the entrance, hallways and other conspicuous areas. If you find someone smoking somewhere, post a “No Smoking” sign there, too.
Refer tenants who are interested in quitting to the free telephone services offered by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 1-800-Try-To-STOP or www.trytostop.org.
Remove ashtrays and clean up any cigarette butts. These items make people feel like they are in a smoking area.
Repair the damage caused by smoking inside apartments, for one last time. If an apartment has cigarette burns and smells like cigarette smoke, then the tenants may be inclined to ignore the no-smoking rule. Replace or patch carpet, floors, and countertops that have cigarette burns; paint smoke-stained walls and ceilings; and take other steps to reduce the odor of stale tobacco smoke.
Document potential violations. If you smell secondhand smoke in the building, record when and where you smelled the smoke and where you think it originated.
If a tenant complains about smoking, respond quickly. Acknowledge the complaint and resolve the issue in a timely fashion.
Be consistent. Taking the same steps in the same period of time sends a clear message to everyone that smoking is not allowed.
Make your tenants aware that they will be held financially responsible for violating the policy. The cost of repairing any damage caused to the apartment by smoking can be deducted from the security deposit.
Tell the offending tenant why you have a smoke-free policy. Give them information on the effects of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Smoking violations are just like any other. How would you respond to loud noises or inappropriate disposal of garbage? Deal with smoking violations the same way you handle violations of any other rules in the building.

The information and materials contained on this website are for informational purposes only and are not offered or intended to be and should not be construed to be legal advice nor to be a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney.