Condos/Co-Ops
Condos/Co-Ops

A growing number of condominium and co-op boards are exploring ways to go completely smoke-free, largely in response to complaints of secondhand smoke drifting from neighboring units. Board members are learning that while protecting homeowners from being exposed to unwanted secondhand smoke, these rules can increase property values, reduce conflicts among residents, protect against potential legal liability, save money on maintenance and eliminate a leading cause of residential fires.

If you are a trustee or board member, you will find valuable information in New York Guide for Smoke-Free Condominiums which includes steps for going smoke-free and sample bylaw amendments. If you live in cooperative housing, NY Guide to Smoke-Free Housing Cooperatives outlines the procedure specific to co-ops for establishing a policy. As a reminder, the documents on this website should not be construed as legal advice. Please consult your own licensed attorney about the specifics of your condominium’s rules.

If you are a condominium or co-op owner, you can start the discussion by educating your board about the benefits of a smoke-free policy or going smoke free with the resources on this page. You may also want to visit the Tenant page on this website for more tips on documenting the problem and communicating with your neighbor.

For free assistance, contact your local ATFC partner.

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see what everyone is saying

“As landlords and co-op managers we have a responsibility to protect all tenants from these dangerous toxins… Now our grounds are litter free and drifting smoke in our buildings has been addressed.”

-Estelle and Emanuel Scarpinato, Ormond Park Realty (Rockville Centre, NY)

“Living in a smoke-free co-op means that, no matter who moves in, you will never have to deal with a secondhand smoke problem in your home, and that’s a great feeling!”

-Laura Cadorette, Board Member, 177-23rd Street Co-op Association in Jackson Heights, Queens

The information and materials contained on this website are for informational purposes only and are not offered or intended to be and should not be construed to be legal advice nor to be a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a licensed attorney.