Legislation to Protect Against Secondhand Smoke; Prohibit Smoking in Multi-Family Homes

Assemblymember Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) has introduced Assembly Bill 746 to prohibit smoking in multi-family homes (apartments and condominiums), including patios and balconies.  Owners could opt to designate an outdoor smoking area.

The desire for smoke-free housing is now stronger than ever.  A poll of California renters reported that 82% of respondents prefer to live in an apartment building where smoking is not allowed anywhere or where there are separate smoking and nonsmoking sections.  Cigarette smoke can travel across units, and evensecondhand exposure can be fatal – to the tune of tens of thousands American mortalities every year.  Like asbestos and cyanide, secondhand smoke is classified as a Toxic Air Contaminant by the California Air Resources Board. 

Management companies are beginning to transition their portfolios to contain no-smoking options.  In June 2012, the Towbes Group became the largest portfolio in California to adopt a no-smoking policy, affecting about 2,000 units in 13 apartment complexes.  Resident support coupled withreduced cleaning costs, higher turnover rates, reduced fire risk, and even possibly decreased insurance rates, further incentivize the smoke-free transition. 

And now political will is beginning to favor clean air.  46 cities and counties in California have already passed ordinances to prohibit smoking in some or all of their multi-unit housing complexes.  The introduction of Assembly Bill 746 confirms the imminent trend toward no-smoking policies in housing complexes. 

Helpful Resources

The American Lung Association has gathered many fact sheets and data sets on secondhand smoke issues.  To access online, visit http://www.center4tobaccopolicy.org.

 For more information about:

• Quit resources
• How to prevent secondhand smoke exposure
• How to implement smokefree housing policies

email jmonji@canoc.org.