The Benefits of a Smoke-Free Policy

Multi-housing owners, managers, and residents in Minnesota have all benefited from a smoke-free policy. Smoke-free buildings are cost-effective, safe, and healthy.

  • Market Advantages: Buildings may be able to attract more tenants by going smoke free. Researchin Minnesota (http://www.mnsmokefreehousing.org/landlords/research.html) and Oregon (http://www.smokefreeoregon.com/housing/landlords/market_demand.php) shows that renters want smoke-free housing! Initial research indicates the similar results in Colorado.
  • Reduced Costs: Cleaning costs are lower when you don’t have to scrub, paint, and replace items in an apartment that smell like smoke or are covered in residue
  • Fewer fire risks: Smoking-related fires are deadly and costly. By going smoke-free, you eliminate the source of smoking-related fires. Some insurance companies may even provide reduced premium rates to buildings that are smoke free or to tenants who live in a smoke-free building. For more information on smoking-related fires in Minnesota, view Live Smoke Free's fact sheet "Up in Flames: The Dangers of Smoking in Apartment Units." (opens as a pdf in new window)
  • Smoke-free policies are legal: (link to HUD letter from Denver & Are No-smoking policies legal – not the Minnesota link) A building owner/manager can legally make a rental building (or entire property) completely smoke free. Even Section 8 housing is able to provide smoke-free housing.
  • Protection from Secondhand Smoke: All tenants, guests, and staff members are protected from the serious health dangers associated with secondhand smoke exposure (Surgeon General’s Executive summary & fact sheet)

In Greeley and Weld County, most people choose not to smoke or have rules about smoking outside

  • 84% of Weld County adults report being non-smokers. 
  • Of the number of people who do smoke, 58.8% reported trying to quit at least once during the year.
  • 79.3% stated that they have smoke-free rules in place for their homes. 
  • In a survey of UNC students, 91% stated that they preferred to socialize in a smoke-free environment and 99% stated that they believe second-hand smoke is harmful.