Smoke-free housing is housing where smoking is not allowed inside, including both single family homes and multi-unit buildings. Smoke-free housing can be identified by smoke-free protections included within the tenants’ lease agreement. Smoking may be allowed in outdoor areas, but not within 15 feet of public doors, windows, and ventilation systems as stated in the Smoke-Free Illinois Act . Those who smoke can live in the building, but smoking will not be allowed in the building.

What Is Happening In Suburban Cook County

Healthy HotSpot partners for tobacco-free living are working to advance smoke-free protections in multi-unit housing throughout suburban Cook County. By reaching out to property owners and managers directly, we are connecting them with resources to have smoke-free protections for their properties. By educating residents of suburban Cook County through media campaigns, we are raising awareness of the importance and benefits of smoke-free living. We are also partnering with local governments, such as the Village of Park Forest in south suburban Cook County, to pass resolutions stating that smoke-free housing is legal, profitable, and easy.

Smoke-free housing is available throughout suburban Cook County. Check out our Map to find properties with smoke-free protections, like the Housing Authority of Cook County.

Connect Residents To Quit Smoking Resources

• Enroll as a referral partner for Illinois Tobacco Quitline  to connect residents to quit resources including counseling, tips for quitting, and practical ideas for staying smoke-free.
• Hand out the fact sheets below:
  • What is secondhand smoke? – English, Spanish
  • What is thirdhand smoke? – English, Spanish
  • The benefits of smoke-free living – English, Spanish
  • The benefits of quitting smoking – English, Spanish
  • 10 tips to help you quit smoking for good – English, Spanish

Benefits Of Smoke-Free Housing

Smoke-free housing gives everyone the opportunity to breathe cleaner air. Within multi-unit housing, smoke can seep into attached units through cracks, light fixtures, and heating and cooling systems. Smoke-free housing eliminates the chance of toxic smoke traveling from one unit to another. Up to 65% of air in any given unit is shared with air from other units and common areas. So, living in a smoke-free environment is one the best decisions you can make for yourself and your loved ones. By eliminating your exposure to secondhand smoke, you are promoting your health and well-being. Smoke-free housing reduces risk of heart attacks, heart and lung disease, cancer and respiratory illness due to exposure to secondhand smoke. It also frees your apartment from thirdhand smoke, the cancer-causing toxins that remain on fabrics, walls, furniture, and carpets after tobacco smoke has dissipated.

Smoke-free housing also benefits property owners and managers. It protects your investment and your residents by reducing risk of fire-related injury and death; reduces unit turnover costs, and saves money and time.

Do You Want Property To Go Smoke-Free?

The resources below can help you if you’re thinking about making your property smoke-free.

Download Our Toolkit

Smoke-free Housing Toolkit for Property Owners and Managers

Hear From Your Peers

View video  of property owners and managers who have made the transition to smoke-free or are in the final stages. The panel discusses firsthand experience with the transition of their properties ranging from 2-units to over 1,500 units.

Become A Recognized Healthy Hotspot

To be recognized as a smoke-free housing location the owner or manager must complete this PDF form and submit it with supporting documentation to [email protected]. Please allow 6-8 weeks for review.