ToolsAs a landlord or property manager, you know that a good set of tools is important to keep your building in good working order. This section contains a few tools to make your transition to a smoke-free environment easier.To get you started, here is an easy five-step process to go smoke-free: 1. Make a plan. Start by creating a plan to make the building smoke-free. Decide whether you will make the entire building smoke-free and when you will do so. Decide whether you will opt for a “phased in” approach or make the change all at once. Gather the appropriate lease language or Conditions, Covenants and Restrictions language for condominiums. 2. Hold a meeting. Gather with residents to discuss the change. You can use our informative PowerPoint presentation to give the residents all the necessary details. There may be resistance, but remember, non-smoking residents have rights under their leases too. If you have received transfer requests or complaints related to secondhand smoke, include that in the discussion as well. 3. Inform residents. Share health and safety facts about the dangers of indoor smoking and secondhand smoke and the benefits of making the building smoke-free and how it benefits all residents. Make sure residents understand when the policy will go into effect, what the policy entails, and how it will be enforced. Be sure that residents understand that all smoking will need to be outside the building and encourage them to do so away from doorways and windows. Use this web site and print out key pages, such as information on secondhand smoke , the Homeowners and Tenants Fact Sheet, Owners & Managers Rights and Responsibilities and Homeowners & Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities pages. 4. Amend new leases. Change the language of your lease to include your new smoke-free policy. You can simply write into your leases "No Smoking anywhere on the property, including inside any apartment." Or, utilize this sample No Smoking Lease Addendum when having existing tenants renew their leases, new tenants signing their leases, or for anyone paying month-to-month without a lease (on the day the rent is due). 5. Promote your status as a smoke-free property. Prominently display signage to remind and inform residents and visitors about the smoke-free policy. You can download signage and order free materials to begin advertising your smoke-free status to gain new residents who appreciate a clean air environment. List your property on our Smoke-Free Housing Registry to attract new residents.
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