A number of legal ruling give landlords rights to restrict smoking. In 2011, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 332: Authorizing Landlords to Prohibit Smoking in Rental Units into law. Landlords now have clear authority to create smoke-free policies.
Landlords have the legal right to set limits on how a tenant may use rental property –for instance, by restricting guest, noise and pets. A “no-smoking” term is similar to a “no pets” restriction in the lease – another way for a landlord to protect his or her property.
There is NO constitutional right to smoke. No court has ever recognized smoking as a fundamental right nor has any court ever found smokers to be a protected class. Smoking is a behavior, not a condition of birth.
Resources
To learn more about creating a no smoking policy for your community read How Landlords Can Prohibit Smoking in Rental Housing
Contact the agency listed in your area, they can help you:
- Survey your tenants
- Draft policy language
- Provide quit smoking help to tenants
- Offer tips on how to implement and enforce your policy
Other Useful Resources
American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation – The Benefits of Smoke-Free Buildings
Good for Tenants – Good for Landlords
Financial Burden of Smoking in Apartments
National Center for Healthy House – Reasons to Explore Smoke-Free Housing
The Tobacco Education Clearing House of California has various types of signs and stickers that can be custom ordered for your business. For more information visit www.tobaccofreecatalog.org or call 1-800-258-9090
ext. 103 to order a catalog.
Resources from the Housing Industry
California Apartment Association: Tobacco Smoking at Residential Rental Properties April 2008
San Diego County Apartment Association: Tobacco Smoking at Residential Rental Properties