Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Toolkit

Wisconsin’s Smoke-free Housing Initiative, promotes voluntary smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing across the state. Smoke-free housing is about saving property managers money and hassle, and providing residents with a healthier place to live.

Six Guiding Principles

1. Focus on decision makers Outreach and education is directed at decision makers such as property owners and managers to create the highest impact of residents affected.
2. Business impact is leading message Smoke-free policies are profitable, popular, legal, and healthy. The health impacts of eliminating secondhand smoke are an important supporting message.
3. Prohibit smoking, NOT smokers It needs to be very clear that smokers are still allowed to live in complexes with these policies.
4. Voluntary, not regulatory policies Voluntary policies allow us to build a relationship with housing authorities and property managers in a positive fashion.
5. Avoid tenant/property owner disputes Provide knowledge and resources and work to avoid disputes between parties.
6. Public and private housing Ensure that both public and private housing are covered in outreach.

Steps for Achieving Smoke-Free MUH Policies

This information helps coordinators prepare for work in smoke-free multi-unit housing (SFMUH). Where to begin depends on your local context. Contact your contract administrator for help.

Questions?

Refer to the frequently asked questions of coordinators or contact your contract administrator or state SFMUH lead:

Wendy Vander Zanden
wendy.vanderzanden@dhs.wisconsin.gov