Facts

• Up to 65 % of the air in a unit can come from other units² and second-hand smoke cannot be fully removed by ventilation systems, filters or even air purifiers.¹
• No matter how well a building is built or maintained second-hand smoke can drift into housing units through open windows, doors, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, shared ventilation systems, through cracks and crevices between units, through balconies, patios and porches.¹

Regularly exposed to drifting
second-hand smoke?

You have options.

If you are exposed to drifting second-hand smoke in your home on a regular basis Smoke-Free Housing Ontario has many tools and resources available such as:

• “Taking Action” - steps to reducing second-hand smoke exposure
• A sample tenant log sheet (PDF) to document when second-hand smoke drifts into your unit and all the actions you have taken

Ask For It!

Smoke-free housing is safer and healthier for all.

Is it legal?

Under the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) it is illegal to smoke tobacco or cannabis  and use an e-cigarette to vape any substance in the common areas (such as lobbies, elevators, stairwells, covered parking garages and hallways) of condominiums, apartments or post-secondary residence buildings.

The SFOA, 2017 does not apply to a private, self-contained unit such as an apartment or condominium. However, landlords and property owners have the legal right to implement no-smoking policies that could include individual units, balconies or even the entire property.