Quick Fixes

"Whether it's a single-family home, duplex or apartment unit, there is an overwhelming decrease in the risk of fire, property damage caused by smoke and burns, and secondhand smoke exposure." - Joy Peck, Spokane, WA www.landlordassoc.org Though a smoke-free policy is the only complete solution to secondhand smoke, there are a few "quick fixes" that you might consider to protect yourself and your family. Quick fixes are only temporary fixes, however, and every effort should be made to communicate with landlords about your reasonable request for smoke-free housing.

In the meantime, here are some quick things you can do to reduce your exposure to secondhand smoke. Please note, however that these methods are not 100 percent effective. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) position statement on secondhand smoke (PDF) says that "Currently, the only way to effectively eliminate health risks associated with indoor exposure is to ban smoking activity."

  1. Talk to the smoking neighbor:
    • Your neighbor may not realize that their smoke is a problem for you. Politely let your neighbor know that smoke is coming into your apartment.
    • Ask them if they would mind smoking outside or in another room so that the smoke does not get into your apartment.
    • Ask them if they would be willing to have their unit insulated and sealed off, as described below.
    • Give them the Facts about Secondhand Smoke handout to explain why secondhand smoke is a problem.
  2. Ask your landlord to improve air filtration:
    • Add more fresh air intakes into the ventilation system
    • Clean, change, or install better filters in the ventilation system
    • Restrict the amount of air exhausted through the ventilation system from the residences of tenants who smoke
  3. Seal off your apartment and the smoker's apartment:
    • Install door sweeps
    • Fill or patch any cracks in the walls
    • Insulate the air spaces around plumbing pipes
    • Insulate and place outlet covers over electrical outlets
  4. Ask your landlord to move you to another unit – at no cost to you – that does not have any smoking neighbors.

  5. If the complex has multiple buildings, discuss with your landlord the possibility of designating a smoke-free building(s).

No one should have to choose between their home and their health, but as a last resort you may need to consider moving if other tenants or your landlord do not respond to your requests for a smoke-free environment. Remember to put all of your requests in writing, and keep copies of everything.





  • Last Updated: 06/05/08

    Print Friendly

    This Web site contains information on the revised Clean Indoor Air Act (RCW 70.160). It is not legal advice. This information cannot be considered as a substitute for legal advice from and representation by a qualified attorney.

    Reference in this Web site to any specific commercial products, process, service, manufacturer, or company does not constitute its endorsement or recommendation by the Department of Health (DOH). Links to external Web sites are provided because they may contain relevant information and resources. These external Web sites are not maintained by DOH and the Department takes no responsibility for the views that may be represented, or the accuracy, propriety, or legality of any material contained on the sites. Read More...

^Back to Top