HUD has announced a proposed rule that would prohibit smoking in public housing nationwide due to the dangers of second-hand smoke. The proposal could impact about one million households. Importantly, the ban would extend to outdoor areas, including up to 25 feet of common areas and administrative office buildings. Critics charge that the ban is yet another challenge for the already burdened public housing agencies.
According to the latest NMHC/Kingsley Apartment Renter Preferences Study, 76 percent of respondents are “interested” or “very interested” in non-smoking apartments, making it the sixth most desired community amenity among 33 choices.
"We have a responsibility to protect public housing residents from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke, especially the elderly and children who suffer from asthma and other respiratory diseases," said HUD Secretary Julián Castro. "This proposed rule will help improve the health of more than 760,000 children and help public housing agencies save $153 million every year in healthcare, repairs and preventable fires."
Provided by NMHC as part of the NAA/NMHC Joint Legislative Program