Myths vs. Reality
There is a lot of information out there about smoking and smokers'
rights. So much information that sometimes it is difficult to separate
myth from reality. Myth 1: If I implement a smoke-free policy, I will lose money.
Reality: Actually, you can save money by implementing a smoke-free policy. You will reduce wear and tear, and save on cleaning and re-painting costs. According to a 2004 survey done by the Sanford Housing Authority, it costs twice as much or more to turn over a unit in which the resident had smoked compared with one rented by a non-smoker.
You may also save money by reducing the risk of fire. In the U.S. in 2002, an estimated $926 million in damages occurred in apartment fires - of which cigarette smoking is the leading cause. (Source: NFPA Fire Analysis and Research; Fire Loss in the U.S. During 2002). Some insurance carriers also offer a premium reduction if your property is smoke-free.
Myth 2: A smoke-free policy will alienate tenants. I will lose valuable residents.
Reality: In Maine, 90% of voters agree that people should be protected from secondhand smoke. According to recent surveys conducted in Maine, nearly 75% of renters would prefer to live in smoke-free apartments.
Surveys taken in other parts of the country show a similar preference for smoke-free apartments. For example, in a 2003 survey in Washington state, two-thirds of renters surveyed preferred smoke-free housing. Seventy-five percent of Michigan renters do not smoke; currently most cannot find smoke-free apartments to rent. We can show you how to go smoke-free while keeping your existing smoking tenants happy too. (Source: Various surveys)
Myth 3: Enforcing a smoke-free policy would be too difficult.
Reality: Once you implement a policy, smoking will be so noticeable that you are likely to hear about it from other residents. Enforcing a smoking policy is a lot less of a headache than mediating disputes between smokers and non-smokers without a policy in place. You must be prepared to follow through with consequences; for example, two warnings, then termination of the lease.
Now that you know the facts, you may be ready for planning and communication tools that make going smoke-free easier.