In BC, 86% of the population is non-smoking and 84% of BC households do not allow smoking indoors. British Columbians are health conscious consumers with concerns about exposure to second-hand smoke in their homes. This means there is a significant marketing advantage for landlords who are considering going smoke-free.

According to BC surveys which we commissioned in 2008 and 2013, there is a growing demand for smoke-free housing and a critical shortage of supply.

Survey highlights include:

Among Renters in BC: 2008 and 2013

• The majority of renters prefer smoke-free buildings.
• The majority of renters do not smoke, and those that do are taking it outside.
• Over one-half of apartment and condominium dwellers are exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) (increase from one-third in 2008 to one-half in 2013).
• Of renters exposed to SHS, the vast majority do not complain.
• Between 50,000 to 100,000 rental dwellers in BC may move because of problems with SHS (2008 survey).

Among Apartment Owners/Property Managers in BC: 2008

• 4 in 5 say there is either a ‘very big’ or ‘some’ market demand for smoke-free housing in BC.
• Nearly 3 in 4 expect that the issue of smoke-free housing will become more important in the future.
• There is a patchwork of no-smoking policies that exist in residential buildings across the province.

Among Non-Profit Housing Providers in BC: 2008

• 1/4 of public housing providers ban smoking in the entire building, including units and balconies.
• Over 2 in 5 are considering adopting a smoke-free policy in some or all of their units in the future.
• About 3 in 5 receive complaints about SHS on a monthly basis (20%) or less than a monthly basis (40%).