Going
smoke-free keeps costs down and makes buildings easier to maintain and
manage. Smoke-free housing is safer and
healthier, too – and it’s in high demand.
Is it time you went smoke-free?
What is smoke-free housing?
Smoke-free housing is a home or residential building(s) where smoking is not allowed anywhere inside, including in individual apartments.
- Smoke-free housing includes areas around doors, entrances, porches, balconies, and windows, to keep smoke from getting inside
- A smoke-free "unit" is not the same as smoke-free "housing." All units in a building need to be smoke-free to prevent smoke from drifting into other units.
Is smoke-free housing legal?
Yes, completely legal. There is no legally protected "right to smoke" in multi-unit residential buildings and properties in Boston, the state of Massachusetts, or anywhere in the U.S.
Does not discriminate against smokers
A no-smoking rule does not mean "no smokers." Smokers are welcome to live, visit, or work in smoke-free residential buildings, as long as they follow the rules to not smoke in or near the building(s).
What smoking products does a smoke-free policy include?
Anything that burns and is inhaled—tobacco, hookahs, and marijuana (including medical marijuana) – can be included in a smoke-free policy. Many landlords also include e-cigarettes, e-pipes, and other vapored products.
Learn more or download A Landlord's Guide to Smoke-Free Housing.
Find sample documents you can adapt and use.
Contact us at HealthyHomes@bphc.org or 617-534-4718 for free help and support with smoke-free housing, including:
- Answering questions
- Training building staff
- Attending resident meetings
- Providing free resources
