Smoking Disclosure

5 Things to Know About NYC’s New Law

Smoking Disclosure

Updated July 20, 2018  
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene published a guide explaining the purpose of Local Law 147 and offers recommendations on how to comply. 

Disclosure of Policies on Smoking in Residential Buildings: What You Need to Know

On August 28, 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed Local Law 147—a new bill that requires building owners to create a smoking policy that details whether or not the building permits smoking, and disclose it to current and prospective residents. Smoking disclosure is designed to help New Yorkers make better choices about where they live, and ultimately reduce the number of smokers across the city.

Here are 5 things to know about this new bill:

  1. All residential buildings must create a smoking policy. This covers all NYC residential buildings with three or more units, including rentals, condominiums, and cooperatives.
  2. Smoking policies must be in place by August 28, 2018. The new bill was enacted on August 28, 2017 and requires building owners and managers to be in compliance within 365 days.
  3. All current and prospective residents must be informed of the policy. The policy must be distributed to tenants and apartment owners annually, and incorporated into leases and purchase agreements. It must also be posted in public areas within the building.
  4. Failure to comply with this law may result in fines. Any owner who fails to disclose their building’s smoking policy as required may face a $100 civil penalty.
  5. Smoking disclosure benefits both tenants and landlords. Knowing a building’s smoking policy enables residents to make more informed choices about where they live. This benefits landlords by reducing the number of complaints and disputes regarding secondhand smoke.

This law is one of many new city-wide policies that will help curb smoking and reduce its deadly effects. Our hope is that many buildings will take this opportunity to go smoke-free!

Tobacco use remains the #1 cause of preventable death in the US, with 12,000 NYC residents dying each year from smoking-related illnesses. Learn how you can get involved.

Resources

NYC Smoke-Free Housing Tool Kit for Landlords and Managing Agents

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No Menthol Sundays

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The Asian Smokers’ Quitline

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NYC Quits

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The New York State Smokers' Quitline

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Two Shades of Green: Saving Money and Protecing Public Health in Affordable Housing

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