Landlords
Smoke-free housing is legal and not discriminatory.
The right to smoke is not protected under law, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Landlords are free to restrict smoking just as they are free to restrict pets.
Did you know that most people in Lancaster County, including those who smoke, want smoke-free housing?
96% of residents reported having rules that do not allow smoking in their homes
73% of people who smoke reported having rules against smoking in their homes
2014 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey for Lancaster County
Because smoke drifts from apartment to apartment, making your property smoke-free is a good idea, not just because of the health benefits, but also because it saves maintenance and rehabilitation costs.
Smoke-Free Housing Policies & Enforcement Strategies
Video Index:
•Fire Facts by Lincoln Fire & Rescue 5:46 – 15:18 minutes
•Basics of Drifting Secondhand Smoke 15:18 – 20:30 minutes
•Great Place Properties experience with smoke-free housing 20:30-29:40 minutes
•Tips on Developing a smoke-free housing policy 29:40 – 40:38 minutes
•Lincoln Housing Authority’s experience with smoke-free housing 40:38 – 49:47 minutes
•Achieving Better Compliance 49:47 – 1:00:20 minutes
•Question & Answers 1:00:20 – 1:15 minutes
Smoke-Free Policies for Multi-Unit Housing (PDF)
Políticas para Viviendas de Unidades Múltiples Libres de Humo (PDF)
Model Smoke-Free Policy Lease information (PDF)
Lincoln-Lancaster County’s Smoke-Free Housing Options(PDF)
Nhà Thuê Không Khói Thuố Lá Quận Lancaster (PDF)
Libre de Humo de Cigarillo Opciones de Vivendas Para Condado de Lancaster (PDF)
For more information on smoke-free housing trends and HUD policies:
The National Apartment Association presents “Clearing the Air” (PDF)
HUD Memo on Non-Smoking Policies in Public Housing (PDF)
If you would like more information or assistance in making your building smoke-free, please e-mail or call (402) 441-6224. To list your smoke-free building on the Lincoln Smoke-Free Housing Registry’s interactive online map, please sign and submit this form.