Implementing a No Smoking Policy

1. Implementing a No Smoking Policy Why? How? Where?

2. Homes For America • Homes for America, founded in 1994, is a 501 (c)(3) corporation located in Annapolis, Maryland. HFA specializes in creating and preserving affordable housing enhanced with services in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Delaware. • HFA undertakes new construction, rehabilitation and conversion of existing buildings, and over the years has developed 70 communities totaling 5,448 units serving seniors, families and individuals with special needs. • Homes for America communities are among the very best places to live and enjoy full and happy lives. • Habitat America, LLC • Habitat America, LLC based out of Annapolis, Maryland is an experienced property management company whose focus is on quality apartment living at a good value. We have specialized in opening and maintaining professionally-run communities, while giving residents the best possible living experience for over 25 years. • Our recognition of the need to protect the environment has lead us to promote an awareness of and a commitment to the reduction of energy usage, conservation of resources, and recycling practices.

3. HFA Property List

4. Why go Smoke Free? • Public Health Benefits • Reduction in chronic illnesses, heart disease and cancer • Indoor Air Quality significantly improved • Risk Reduction • Smoke migrates from unit to unit. Second hand smoke causes approximately 50,000 deaths in adult non-smokers each year in the United States. • Leading cause of fire deaths in Multi-Family buildings • Avoid Litigation • Federal Fair Housing Act Protections • Disabled and Families with Children • Peaceful Enjoyment • Habitability • Reduce Expenses • Turnover costs • Carpet, Appliances, Blinds, Paint and Cabinetry • Resident Retention • Smoke Free is a marketable amenity

5. Health Risks related to Smokingcourtesy of American Lung Association • Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer. Smoking is directly responsible for approximately 90 percent of lung cancer deaths and approximately 80-90 percent of COPD (emphysema and chronic bronchitis) deaths. • About 8.6 million people in the U.S. have at least one serious illness caused by smoking. That means that for every person who dies of a smoking-related disease, there are 20 more people who suffer from at least one serious illness associated with smoking. • Among current smokers, chronic lung disease accounts for 73 percent of smoking-related conditions. Even among smokers who have quit chronic lung disease accounts for 50 percent of smoking-related conditions.4

6. Health Risks related to Smokingcourtesy of American Lung Association • The list of diseases caused by smoking includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema), coronary heart disease, stroke, abdominal aortic aneurysm, acute myeloid leukemia, cataract, pneumonia, periodontitis, and bladder, esophageal, laryngeal, lung, oral, throat, cervical, kidney, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. Smoking is also a major factor in a variety of other conditions and disorders, including slowed healing of wounds, infertility, and peptic ulcer disease.5 • Smokers die significantly earlier than nonsmokers: 13.2 years for men and 14.5 years for women.6

7. Quit Smoking Resourcescourtesy of CDC.gov • Government Resources • •1-800-QUIT-NOW • A free, phone-based service with educational materials, coaches, a quit plan, and referrals to local resources to help you quit tobacco use. • •1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) • A free, phone-based service to help Spanish speaking persons quit tobacco use. . • •BeTobaccoFree.gov • This HHS Web site provides one-stop access to tobacco-related information, including information on quitting tobacco use, from its various agencies. • •smokefree.gov • A Web site that provides free, accurate information and assistance to help you quit smoking and stay tobacco-free.

8. How to implement a No Smoking Policy • Determine current policies • Review smoking related policies for existing residents • Designated smoking or completely smoke free? • What type of smoking materials will be banned • E cigarettes, tobacco, medical marijuana • Develop a policy • Will any properties be exempt from the policy? • Identify smoking cessation resources • Decide notification period and prepare resident notification • Implementation and Enforcement • Train staff in lease enforcement standards and requirements • Prepare sample violation notices for site use as templates • Property preparation • Signs and smoking stations • Notify Residents

9. Homes for America No Smoking Policy • Recognizing there is no safe level of exposure to second hand smoke and that second hand smoke is a health hazard, especially for children, the elderly and persons with chronic illnesses, Homes for America (HFA) has decided to implement a No Smoking Policy throughout its communities. • Because smoking materials are the leading cause of fire death and third leading cause of fire injuries in the United States, it is HFA’s intent to implement the policy to make communities healthier and safer for our residents. • A work group comprised of representatives from HFA Asset Management, Resident Services, Senior Vice President, and property management staff will make the determination on the design, location and number of the outdoor designated smoking areas at each property.

10. Homes for America No Smoking Policy • Smoking will be prohibited within the living units • Smoking will be prohibited in the building common areas • Where possible, designated outside smoking areas, with appropriate protection from the weather, when feasible, and located more than 25 feet from buildings, will be provided for use by the residents and their guests. • The No Smoking policy will be administered by addendum to the resident lease agreement at the time of lease renewal for current residents and upon execution of the initial lease for new residents.

11. Designated Smoking Areas • Location, Location, Location • Research local requirements • Distance from building • Covered or Uncovered • Risk Assessment • Winterization and Maintenance • Smoker use only? • Accessibility • Seating • Cost

12. Typical Shelter Design Types