To implement a no-smoking policy:
Notify Current Tenants and Staff
- Set clear expectations about what the no-smoking policy includes. Inform potential residents that some legacy (grandfathered) tenants may still smoke inside their units and that complaints about second-hand smoke will be addressed.
- Send a Tenant Notification Letter outlining the policy and its effective date.
- Inform property managers, superintendents, and service providers by letter to ensure consistent enforcement.
- Clarify expectations for resident managers. Existing resident managers may be grandfathered while off duty in their units, but all new hires must comply with the no-smoking policy. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act still applies to staff while on duty.
Post Signage and Promote the Policy
- Install clear signage at entrances, parking lots, hallways, and common areas, such as “Welcome to Our Smoke-Free Property.” Or “This is a smoke-free building.”
- Ensure Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 signs are posted throughout all common areas in the building (this is required by law).
- Post the policy on any digital screens within the building, if available.
- Post the policy on the building website, if available.
Advertise and Publicize Your Smoke-Free Building
- Consider issuing a press release. Earned media is a great way to advertise.
- Advertise smoke-free units in directories or websites where your building is listed.
Gather Tenant Feedback and Make Improvements
- Once your policy has been in place for 6 months to a year, send a survey to get feedback on what your tenants think. This will help identify concerns and fine-tune your policy for better compliance and acceptance.
- Use positive testimonials from tenants to further promote the smoke-free policy.
Provide Support for Tenants Who Want to Quit Smoking
- Consider providing support for smokers who may wish to quit. Contact your local public health unit for support.
