Smoke Free Policy

SMOKE-FREE POLICY INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS, APPLICANTS, AND OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS

LaFollette Housing Authority properties are completely smoke-free (indoors and outside) as of July 30, 2018.

Why Are We Smoke-Free?
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has implemented new rules requiring smoke-free policies in all public housing authorities by July 30, 2018. This rule includes the 1116 public housing units which are owned and operated by The LaFollette Housing Authority (LHA) within its seven county service area. HUD's rule prohibits smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes in all living units (apartments), indoor common areas, offices and outdoor areas within 25 feet of public housing authority buildings.

The rule allows public housing authorities to add additional smoking restrictions, and LHA has chosen to take this broader approach. This means smoking will be prohibited in all individual housing units and on the common areas of LHA's properties. Common areas include sidewalks, patios and porches, playgrounds, hallways, lawns, laundry facilities, and parking lots. There will be no designated smoking areas. Banned are cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaporizers/vape pens, e-cigarettes, e-cigars, any other type of electronic smoking devise that creates a vapor, and the newer discreet smoking products.

Who Benefits?
Secondhand smoke contributes to disease and early death. It is a known cause of cancer and is also linked to heart disease and breathing problems in non-smoking adults. The health effects of secondhand smoke are even more serious for children, older adults, and people with lung problems.

LHA wants to encourage healthy behaviors in both residents and employees. Smoke-free policies create healthy environments which protect everyone from second-hand smoke. In addition, we hope to encourage people who smoke to stop, or attempt to cut back on smoking.

Smoke-Free Policies Are Legal.
The smoke-free policy will still allow people who smoke to rent an apartment. You do not have to quit smoking to continue living here. But remember that you will not be permitted to smoke in any LHA apartment or building, and you cannot smoke on any outdoor part of LHA's properties or grounds.

People who smoke tobacco are not considered a protected class under the Fair Housing Act and do not have special legal status. Reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act may be available. Talk with LHA staff if you have concerns related to a qualified disability.

Resources to Help You or Your Loved Ones Quit Smoking Are Available.
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to talk with a trained person who can help you quit; or you can go to www.smokefree.gov to learn more. For additional help to stop smoking, contact the Tennessee Department of Health office in your county. Also, gum, patches, and other products can help you reduce your smoking habit or quit altogether.

What you can do once you rent an apartment with LHA.

• Remind your friends, visitors, and other household members that they also must follow these rules. Every person will be required to leave the property to smoke, and signs will be posted to help remind people.
• Join together with others in your building or housing development to support each other in breaking the smoking habit.
• Ask your property manager or other housing authority staff about local resources.
• Submit concerns or complaints about policy violations to LHA staff.
• Help us to make LHA's properties a healthy place to live and visit. Encourage others to stop smoking. Smoke-free housing is good for everyone's health!