Study Shows Growing Regional Demand for Smoke-Free Rental Housing
Clark County press release
Friday, September 29th, 2006
Contact: Theresa Cross, Clark County Public Health
(360)397-8000 ext. 7378; theresa.cross@clark.wa.gov
Guide to Smoke-free Housing available in English and Spanish
Vancouver , WA - Results of the region's first smoke-free rental housing study indicate a strong consumer demand for smoke-free properties. Of the 400 renters surveyed in Clark, Multnomah , Washington , and Clackamas counties, an overwhelming 75 percent indicated that "other things being equal," they would choose to live in smoke-free housing.
In addition to showing a large consumer demand for smoke-free housing, the study revealed that only 19 percent of renters are daily smokers and that eight out of ten renters do not allow smoking inside. The study also found that 42 percent of renters would not be comfortable renting where neighboring tenants smoke.
"We receive calls weekly from renters wanting to know how they can keep secondhand smoke from drifting into their homes from neighboring units. Residents understand the dangers of secondhand smoke and don't want to be exposed to it," said Theresa Cross, health educator with Clark County Public Health, Tobacco Prevention and Education Program. Secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals such as lead, arsenic and formaldehyde. There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
The tenant survey showed that very few tenants take issue with the concept of landlords prohibiting tenants from smoking in their own homes, while 73 percent endorse it. "The results of this study will help landlords feel confident implementing a smoking policy, knowing the decision will be supported by their tenants," said Cross.
"In the minds of many tenants, smoke-free housing is an idea whose time has come," said John Campbell of the Portland-based Campbell DeLong Resources, Inc. who conducted the smoke-free rental housing study. "Landlords who wish to attract a large number of quality applicants will gain a distinct competitive advantage by offering housing that is smoke-free. As a 40-year-old marketing research firm, we rarely see such an obvious and exciting market opportunity for business."
The Guide to Smoke-free Housing in Clark County was created to help renters locate smoke-free rental homes. The guide was created by Clark County Public Health, Tobacco Prevention and Education program, in collaboration with the Tobacco Free Coalition of Clark County, Community Choices 2010, and Steps to a Healthier Clark County . To receive a copy of the guide, call (360) 397-8000 ext. 7378. A Spanish version of the guide is available from Jamie Zentner at SeaMar Community Health Center , 360.896.5128 , ext. 120.
Residents looking for smoke-free rental housing in the greater Clark County/Portland area can also visit www.housingconnections.org/smokefree.cfm to search for smoke-free properties by location, unit size, and rent.