Advice for landlords, agents and tenants in houses in multiple occupation about the new smokefree legislation.
From 1 July 2007 all enclosed public places and workplaces must be smokefree.
All indoor common areas of houses in multiple occupation, such as stairways, kitchens, bathrooms, toilets and communal sitting rooms must become no smoking areas.
Under the terms of the legislation tenants may smoke in the privacy of their own rooms. If, however, your lease with your tenants already stipulates that bedrooms are no smoking areas you may continue with that rule.
Displaying No Smoking Signs
No smoking signs should be displayed in all shared indoor areas. Signage can be downloaded or ordered free of charge from the Smokefree England website.
You are advised to make sure your tenants understand the new legislation, either by writing each of them a letter or by displaying a clear notice which explains where in your property they and their visitors may and may not smoke.
If your tenants are going to smoke outside the premises you may wish to consider providing a suitable metal ash tray in order to minimise smoking litter and reduce the fire risk from cigarettes which are not properly extinguished.
