Using “No-Smoking” VS “Smoke-Free”

Most housing providers are trained to avoid guarantees that can lead to a lawsuit.

The terms you use show you understand the industry.

A No-Smoking Policy

If smoking is allowed outside on the property in designated areas, smoke may drift into building units and residents may be exposed to secondhand smoke when they go outside. This kind of policy is not a “smoke-free” policy and may lead to fair housing complaints or lawsuits if “smoke-free” is used to describe the policy. When smoking is allowed in designated areas outside of buildings, using “no-smoking” is more appropriate.

A no-smoking rule is something housing providers feel they can enforce. GASP recommends using no-smoking or non-smoking if smoking is allowed anywhere on the grounds.

A Smoke-Free Policy

If smoking is prohibited anywhere everywhere on the entire property then GASP recommends using “smoke-free.”

What should be in a smoke-free policy?

See The Best Policy to Adopt

GASP of Colorado

Group to Alleviate Smoking Pollution

www.gaspforair.org

This fact sheet is provided as a public service and is not intended as legal advice.