The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. identify the reasons why drifting smoke is an issue in residential multi-unit dwellings 2. list three reasons why landlords should make their buildings tobacco-free

Methods: The effort focused on: researching the issue; developing educational materials; hosting meetings across the province and seeking feedback on next steps; working with residential owner, landlord and tenant organizations to develop a multi-pronged strategy; working with residential tenancy staff to make residential policy changes; developing and delivering presentations; undertaking statistical research on the issue; linking with experts in the United States; and, developing a website for logging complaints and listing resources.

Results: Landlords are becoming aware of their right to include clauses in their residential tenancy agreements to prohibit smoking within the suite and around the building. This information is encouraging policy change within the residential tenancy guidelines as the residential tenancy branch may add a line to their guidelines that indicates exposure to drifting second-hand smoke is a violation of ‘quiet enjoyment'. This will be a significant support to second-hand smoke policy.