Eighty-five percent of British Columbians don’t smoke, yet there is a severe shortage of smoke-free condo properties in BC. This means there is a significant marketing advantage for strata corporations that are considering going smoke-free. Further, strata owners may benefit from an increase in the re-sale value given the strong demand for smoke-free condo complexes in BC.

We commissioned market surveys on residents living in apartments and condos across the province to identify market demand. The results confirm that there is a major problem with second hand smoke, and that there is strong demand in BC for smoke-free housing. The survey found:

• The vast majority of condo owners would prefer to live in a building that is 100% smoke-free
• Nine in ten owners don’t smoke, and those that do are taking it outside
• Of smoking and non-smoking households, the majority do not allow residents or guests to smoke inside

A non-smoking policy is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs and damage to your units and property. If smoking is permitted in your buildings, you are keenly aware of the damage the smoke does to your property, including:

• The foul odour that permeates the unit and corridors, and can never be completely eliminated;
• The damage to walls, carpets and appliances; and
• The litter of cigarette butts 

According to industry sources, one of the biggest challenges is removing the smoke odour and residue from the units. However, keeping them smoke-free will result in significant benefits for condo communities, and the results will be more appealing to future owners.

A no-smoking policy will reduce the risk of fires at your condo complex, which in turn could have an impact on insurance rates over the long run.

According to the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner, smoking and smoking related materials (matches and lighters) are a significant cause of residential fires. In 2007:

• Over one in four fire deaths are due to fires ignited by smokers.
• The damage from fires started by smoker's materials was over $66 Million.

According to Health Canada:

• Smoking remains a leading cause of home fire deaths in Canada.
• Fires started by smokers' materials tend to result in more property damage than other fires.
• Two out of five victims of fires started by smokers' materials are not the smokers themselves, but individuals who live in the same building. Those who perish are often young children or older persons who are less able to respond to and escape from the fire.

Strata corporations that adopt a non-smoking bylaw will likely see a reduction in the number of complaints from non-smoking residents about second-hand smoke entering their homes from neighbouring units.

Our survey of strata corporations and property managers found that:

• Close to three-quarters of strata corporations receive complaints about second-hand smoke
• The greatest source of second-hand smoke transfer is from balconies and open windows
• The most effective policy to reduce complaints from residents is one that bans smoking in all units and outside balconies (versus restricting smoking in specific sections only)