Residents Tips

If you live in an apartment, as much as 65% of your air may be coming from your neighbors.1 That’s an important thing to consider when looking for a new apartment, or if you’re experiencing secondhand smoke in your current one. Find out what to look for below.

During the process of seeking an apartment community, residents should ask about smoking rules whenever possible, including during initial phone call to property for leasing information, during a property tour, and at lease signing.

If the property does not have a smoke-free policy, take these steps:

  1. Observe where smoking may be occurring (i.e., units, balconies, patios, and/or common areas; see more information about common areas below).
    Share information about the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure with the property manager. Download a copy of “Ten Facts About Secondhand Smoke” from the Arizona Smoke-Free Living website (www.AzSmokeFreeLiving.org) to provide to the property manager.
  2. Encourage the property manager to visit the Arizona Smoke-Free Living website (www.AzSmokeFreeLiving.org) to learn more about the benefits of adopting a no-smoking rule. Let the property manager know that Arizona Smoke-Free Living is able to provide free guidance and materials to property managers who are interested in adopting a no-smoking rule.
  3. Observe the smoking habits in common areas. Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. § 36-601.01) requires the common areas of multi-family housing to be smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited inside and within 20 feet of entrances, open windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed common areas of multi-family housing such as the main office, laundry room, fitness center, activity center, or clubhouse. Entrances to common areas should be clearly marked with Smoke-Free Arizona Act signage. If you notice a violation of this law, contact the Smoke-Free Arizona office by calling 1-888-297-8677 or online at www.smokefreearizona.org to submit a complaint (can be anonymous). A representative will visit the property, provide education about the Smoke-Free Arizona Act, and provide free no-smoking signage for the common areas.
  4. Decide whether or not you are willing to live in a community where smoking is permitted. Consider whether or not the property manager seems agreeable to adopting a smoke-free policy. The best way to protect yourself from secondhand smoke in your rental home is to seek a property with a smoke-free policy and property manager committed to enforcement.

If there is a no-smoking policy, take the following steps:

  1. Ask for a copy of the no-smoking lease addendum/house rules and read it thoroughly.
  2. Ask clarifying questions, if necessary, to ensure that you fully understand the policy. Suggested questions may include:
    • Where is smoking allowed on the property, if at all?
    • Do the no-smoking rules apply to all units and buildings? Or only some units or buildings on the property?
    • What steps are taken when a resident is not complying with the no-smoking rule?
    • What are the steps to submit a complaint to the property manager if the no-smoking rule is not being followed by another resident(s)?
    • What are the steps to take after normal leasing office hours?
  1. If there is not a written no-smoking rule, encourage the property manager to visit the Arizona Smoke-Free Living website (www.AzSmokeFreeLiving.org) to learn more about the steps to adopt a written no-smoking rule. Let the property manager know that Arizona Smoke-Free Living is able to provide free guidance and materials to property managers who are interested in adopting a written no-smoking rule.
  2. Observe whether the rules created by the Smoke-Free Arizona Act for common areas are being followed. Smoke-Free Arizona Act (A.R.S. § 36-601.01) requires the common areas of multi-family housing to be smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited inside and within 20 feet of entrances, open windows, and ventilation systems of enclosed common areas of multi-family housing such as the main office, laundry room, fitness center, activity center, or clubhouse. Entrances to common areas should be clearly marked with Smoke-Free Arizona Act signage. If you notice a violation of this law, contact the Smoke-Free Arizona office by calling 1-888-297-8677 or online at www.smokefreearizona.org to submit a complaint (can be anonymous). A representative will visit the property, provide education about the Smoke-Free Arizona Act, and provide free no-smoking signage for the common areas.

The best way to protect yourself from secondhand smoke in your rental home is to seek a property with a smoke-free policy.