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secondhand and thirdhand smoke in their homes is critical, and policies that ultimately save money so property owners can make a few bucks in the business, is something we like to get behind.
The best smoke-free ordinances are ones that include the establishment of a single smoke-free policy requiring all multiunit housing properties in a local jurisdiction to be 100% smoke-free – as I mentioned, an outright ban on smoking in apartment buildings works. This is the only way to protect all tenants. Most owners, as pointed out in the UCLA survey, feel smoking should be banned throughout the entire property and not permitted just in common areas or outdoors on balconies, for example. Any smoke-free policy must include appropriate and timely policy-enforcement and should never depend on rental property owners who are most often absent from their properties and unable to “catch” a smoker in the act. In the UCLA study, 82% of owners felt that enforcement was a barrier to imposing a smoke-free policy at their property. Most owners stated that enforcement by the local jurisdiction was critical to a successful smoke-free policy.
Lastly, it is extremely important that local governments educate both residents and owners about smoke-free policies and provide smokers with access to resources that help people quit smoking in order to aid in the compliance and enforcement process. The UCLA survey found that many owners were unaware if there was a no smoking provision in place in the local jurisdiction, and the same was true of renters as to whether any no-smoking policy imposed by their landlord or the jurisdiction in which they live covered their property.
As we start the New Year, and we all talk about our New Year’s resolutions, let’s propose a toast to our health and those of our friends, families, and residents. Maybe someday, we can look to a smoke-free world when it comes to our rental properties. It is important that all rental housing providers know the issues about smoking and smoke-free policies because that regulatory train is coming around the bend, and if you don’t speak up, the government will speak for you...make your opinions on smoke-free policies count.
Daniel Yukelson is currently the Executive Director of The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles (AAGLA). As Certified Public Accountant, Yukelson began his career at Ernst & Young, the global accounting firm, and throughout his career has served in senior financial roles principally as Chief Financial Officer for various public, private and start-up companies. Prior to joining AAGLA, Yukelson served for 15 years as Chief Financial Officer for Premiere Radio Networks, now a subsidiary of I-Heart Media, and for 3 years as Chief Financial Officer for Oasis West Realty, the owner of the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills where he was involved with the development and construction of the Waldorf. Mr. Yukelson is a former Public Works Commissioner and Planning Commissioner for the City of Beverly Hills.
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