New Yorkers are well aware that living in a smoke-free home is one of the best things they can do for their family’s health and to protect their property; the vast majority do not allow smoking in the home. Unfortunately, for residents of apartments and other multi-unit housing, the decision to have a smoke-free home is not theirs alone. Secondhand smoke drifts from neighboring apartments and creates unhealthy living conditions for everyone in the building.

If you rent and are exposed to unwanted secondhand smoke from a neighboring tenant, you have the right to ask your landlord to protect you and your family. On this site you will find Frequently Asked Questions and tools for documenting the problem, communicating with your neighbor and your landlord, and exploring legal solutions. You can also find more information in the New York Tenants’ Guide to Smoke-Free Housing.

No-smoking policies benefit both tenants and landlords. An increasing number of apartment owners are choosing to go smoke-free to reduce fire risk, save on maintenance costs and to improve tenant health. Let your landlord know about the resources available on the landlord page of this website.