Welcome to the New Haven Health Department

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Smoke-Free Housing Initiative

The aim of the Smoke-Free Housing Initiative is to reduce tenants' exposure to secondhand smoke by increasing the number of multi-unit dwellings with smoke-free policies.

Fast Facts

Only 15.9% of Connecticut residents smoke

The majority of homes (79.5%) in Connecticut have a smoke-free rule

There is no safe level of second-hand smoke

Exposure to second-hand smoke can cause lung cancer in non-smokers and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Second-hand smoke can also exacerbate asthma

Second-hand smoke contains 70 cancer-causing chemicals

No smoking policies are legal

Smoke-free policies can be adapted incrementally or all at once

Benefits for Business

Decreased turnover costs. The average cost to turnover a non-smoking unit is $560. The average cost to turnover a smoking unit is $2,663.

Reduced risk of fire. The number one cause of fire is smoke-materials. Smoke-free policies decrease the risk of fire.

Reduced legal liability. Landlords are required to provide safe, habitable living environments. Tenants have sued and won for health problems exasperated by second-hand smoke.

Reduced insurance premiums. Insurance company may offer a discount or credit for 100% smoke-free, multi-unit dwellings.

Smoke-Free Housing Initiative

Tools for Property Owners / Managers