It is widely accepted that smoking is neither good for you, nor good for your neighbors. That is why many buildings are opting to go smoke-free, prohibiting smoking inside the property completely, including inside units. Those that do are discovering that in addition to the health benefits, there are economic bonuses that make it worthwhile.

Research shows 35-65% of the air in any given unit is shared air from other units and common areas in most multifamily properties. That means residents living in buildings with smokers face heightened health risks, including heart attacks, stroke and lung cancer. Babies and children are more susceptible to secondhand smoke and are at a higher risk of SIDS, asthma attacks, ear infections and pneumonia. We are familiar with this kind of information and associate it with smoking.

On the other side, there is ample information that going smoke free can lower the cost to maintain your property. For rental units, a no-smoking apartment will maintain its condition longer, requiring less frequent updates to paint, carpet, or window treatments. Smoke free buildings will experience fewer fires and be safer, too. Last but not least, you can eliminate tensions between neighbors over second-hand smoke, making for a happier building and fewer management interventions.

Going smoke-free does not mean prohibiting smoking. Simply put, a smoke-free building is one in which smoking is not permitted in any indoor units or common areas. Lakeside has provided periodic webinars, workshops, and 1x1 technical assistance to persons interested in going smoke-free. To learn more, contact Julio Soriano, Lakeside Community Associations Specialist, for more information. Julio is at (773) 381-5253 x103 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .