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There is a lot of information
out there about smoking and smokers rights. So much information,
sometimes it is difficult to separate the myth from the
truth. Here is the truth:
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| Myth
1: If I implement a smoke-free policy, I will lose money.
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| Actually, you can
save money by implementing a smoke-free policy. You will reduce
wear and tear, and save on cleaning and re-painting costs.
In the U.S. in the year 2002 an estimated $926 million in
damages occurred in apartment
fires - of which cigarette smoking is the leading cause.
(Source: NFPA Fire Analysis and Research; Fire Loss in the
U.S. During 2002) |
| Myth
2: A smoke-free policy will alienate tenants. I will lose
valuable residents. |
| In Michigan, 80-90% of voters in several counties support smoke-free legislation. According to a recent survey conducted in the Midwest, nearly 75% of renters would prefer to live in smoke-free apartments. Surveys taken in other parts of the country show a similar preference for smoke-free apartments. For example, in a 2003 survey in Washington state, two-thirds of renters surveyed preferred smoke-free housing. Seventy-five percent of Michigan renters do not smoke; currently most cannot find smoke-free apartments to rent. We can show you how to go smoke-free while keeping your existing smoking tenants happy too.
(Source: Various surveys; see link to surveys below.)
A number of public opinion surveys have found that a significant majority of tenants support smoke-free apartment policies.
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| Myth
3: Enforcing a smoking ban would be too difficult. |
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Once you implement a policy, smoking will
be so noticeable by other residents that you are likely
to hear about it. Enforcing a smoking policy is a lot less
of a headache than mediating disputes between smokers and
non-smokers without a policy in place. You must be prepared
to follow through with consequences; for example, two warnings,
then termination of the lease.
Now that you know the facts, you may
be ready for planning
and communication tools that make going smoke-free easier.
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