Topic: Owners are wanting to go no smoking inside units. Anyone have some pointers?

Owners are wanting to go no smoking inside units.
Anyone have some pointers how to make this a smooth transition?
I have an addendum I’ll start using for new move ins, will send out notice that this will begin Jan 1st

We made it a year long process so that all renewals and new leases would be beholden to no smoking terms. Getting people to sign that addendum without attaching it to the lease is going to be extremely difficult because there is no incentive. We had at least 90 days leading up to the lease change with email communication, flyers, a web page for FAQs and how to quit resources. Some properties created designated areas. I recommend getting ashtray bins where your smokers wind up congregating because off site means cigarette butts will be at the closest approved area to smoke.All of this allowed smoking renters time to decide to either acclimate to the new locations, move or quit.

Brandy Blazen I’m definitely worried about that. I already know it’s gonna be a big mess and hassle to deal with. Thanks for your input:) appreciate it

Tonya Burton-Clark are you going 100% smoke free.to include patios, common areas, and parking lots? If so I would have a designated smoking area just outside the perimeter of your community. Maybe a bench with a fancy ashtray depending on how your property line is.

We made it a year long process so that all renewals and new leases would be beholden to no smoking terms. Getting people to sign that addendum without attaching it to the lease is going to be extremely difficult because there is no incentive. We had at least 90 days leading up to the lease change with email communication, flyers, a web page for FAQs and how to quit resources. Some properties created designated areas. I recommend getting ashtray bins where your smokers wind up congregating because off site means cigarette butts will be at the closest approved area to smoke.All of this allowed smoking renters time to decide to either acclimate to the new locations, move or quit.

Don't expect a smooth transition. Resistance is strong, people will be pissed, defiance will rise. Keep your sanity though and your sense of humor.

You can't change the rules mid lease, specially if you have allowed smoking. 1. Put it in the lease.2. Provide an alternative defined smoking area. 3. Inform all move-ins that you are transitioning to a smoke-free community and new leases may not smoke in their units. 4. Have all renewals agree to the no smoking policy. 5. Begin soft enforcement. Typically if i get a complaint, I post a notice on all doors stating "During our transition to smoke-free, it is still a violation of the lease to disturb the neighbors (obviously written better than that), If you are aware of who is smoking, please notify the office." Post that on all doors in the area, even the person complaining. It shows that you are responding, and puts the smoking on notice that you and the neighbors are watching. 6. After enough time has passed, and everybody is on the no-smoking lease, then continue with a version of the notice above and stricter enforcement.7. when asked what the smoking policy is, just state "Same as [insert your city name] laws, no smoking with # feet from any doors, windows, or air vents"

Mark Tanguay You mean you actually post pieces of paper on resident doors?

Jude, sure. You don't?

I think a big part of this is leasing need to let prospects know this from the beginning. Post on the website. Etc Enforcing the rules. All being on the same page also helps alot. From inside office to maintenance. It can be done if you stick to your guns.

Set a start date. Let all current residents know (you should give them one year) All move-in must agree to nonsmoking rules immediately

I don’t see how you could do it unless you have a hall monitor

Good luck. We have been nonsmoking since 2019, not an easy rule to enforce. Lots of lease violations and good luck getting them out, courts won't do it even if it is a violation -or multiple violations of the lease. Constant headache.

Very challenging! But all of our properties are smoke free. It’s a gradual process and must do at time of renewal. Make sure there is a line item that states management cannot guarantee a smoke free environment for all of those who think we are able to pin point where it is coming from! Also, there is a specific detector that can be placed in units to detect cigarette smoke. At a cost naturally.