Implementing Smoke-Free Policies in Multi-Family Communities
For the last few years, smoking bans have been increasing in popularity in multi-family communities, such as homeowners’ associations, condo associations, and townhome associations. While not always popular with homeowners, these smoke-free policies can promote health and safety for residents. Plus, they also provide benefits to the community associations, such as reduced maintenance costs and improved property values.
If your Board is considering a smoke-free policy, we have compiled the most important information for you here.
Why Go Smoke-Free?
First, we will answer why smoke-free is a good policy change.
Going smoke-free in multi-family communities confers a number of benefits, including the following.
- A healthier living environment: Secondhand smoke can kill. It can easily drift between units or clog common areas. Therefore, a smoke-free policy helps protect non-smoking residents, children, and other vulnerable individuals from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
- Reduced fire risk: Smoking remains a leading cause of residential fires. Thus, a smoke-free policy can significantly reduce the chance of fire in your community.
- Lower maintenance costs: Unfortunately, smoke can leave a smelly residue on walls and other surfaces. Units where smoking is allowed typically require more maintenance, costing your community association more money in the long run.
- Increased market appeal: As many cultures move away from smoking, a smoke-free community will be appealing to many buyers, increasing property values and financial stability.
Steps to Implement a Smoke-Free Policy
When your Board is ready to begin implementing a smoke-free policy in your community, you should follow these steps.
- Know the law.
Before adopting a smoke-free policy, make sure that it is allowed in your governing documents and local and state laws. You may need to hire a legal expert to help you navigate the private property smoking ban rules in your area.
- Survey residents.
Before adopting your smoke-free policy, you will also need to ensure that your residents are on board. Successful policy changes always start with good communication. Consider conducting a resident survey to gauge support for your smoke-free policy. You can use this opportunity to also educate homeowners about the benefits of such a policy and address common concerns.
- Draft a clear policy.
Once you are ready to create your policy, it should be as clear as possible. Make sure to address the following topics.
- Where smoking is prohibited.
- Which products are included?
- The timeline for implementation.
- The penalties for noncompliance.
- Work with a professional property management company.
A professional property management company, such as Omega Property Management, can help you transition to a smoke-free community. We support Minnesota communities of all types and sizes. From conception to implementation, let us help your Board get through the smoke-free ban process.
Contact Omega Property Management today and learn how we can help your community become happier and healthier.
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