Barriers and opinions for smoke-free policies among multi-unit housing complex owners and managers

Secondhand smoke in multi-unit and/or public housing continues to be a problem due to increases of respiratory problems like asthma, pesticide use, and emphysema. The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers and opinions for smoke-free policies among multi-unit housing complex owners, managers, managing companies, and others. Procedures: Key Informant Interviews were conducted with housing complex managers to identify barriers and opinions for smoke-free policies, including length of time managing/operating housing complexes, number of housing units, awareness of tenants who smoke in apartment/housing units, perception of types of illnesses caused by SHS, effect of cigarette/cigar smoke “smell” on ability to rent an apartment/housing unit; benefits and drawbacks of having a smoke-free policy; likelihood of potential tenants to rent an apartment/housing unit in a smoke-free housing complex; and how much of the housing complex properties should be included in a smoke-free policy. A total of 21 housing unit managers participated in the interviews. Results: A total of 76.9% respondents indicated that they were aware of tenant(s) who smoke in their apartment/housing units. Five of the respondents indicated that there had been no affect on their rental potential and one indicated that they had a cancellation due to the “smell” of cigarette/cigar smoke in an apartment. The benefits of a smoke-free policy included reduced costs for repairs and cleaner environment. While the majority of respondents indicated that there were no drawbacks for smoke-free apartment/housing complexes, concerns were raised for loss in potential tenants. Findings and recommendations will be discussed.