Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing

Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing

Picture of the Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing postcard

Click the image to download the Unincorporated Area Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing postcard

To protect residents from the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure, Alameda County prohibits smoking in multi-unit housing as of July 1, 2022. The law applies to multi-unit housing located in the Urban Growth Boundary of the Unincorporated Area of the County, including Ashland, Cherryland, Fairview, Castro Valley, Hayward Acres, and San Lorenzo.

Multi-unit housing means a lot with two or more units, including apartments, townhomes, condominium complexes, senior and assisted living facilities, long-term health care facilities, hotels, and motels. As of July 1, 2022, no one is allowed to smoke:

  • Inside their unit.
  • On any balcony, porch, deck or patio.
  • In any indoor or outdoor common area, such as halls, pathways, lobbies, stairwells, mail areas/rooms, community rooms, playgrounds, pools, laundry rooms, and parking lots.
  • On neighboring property, within 25 feet from any doorway, window, opening, or vent into a multi-unit residence (except for lots with single-family homes).

The smoke-free law does not apply to a single-family home with an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit or mobile homes in a mobile home park.

“Smoking” includes cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes, hookah, electronic smoking devices such as e-cigarettes, and cannabis/marijuana.

Resources

Below are some resources about smoke-free housing. Smoke-free multi-unit housing ordinance educational presentations are available. Please contact tcp@acgov.org to schedule a presentation. No-smoking signs are available for download from the County.

If you have any questions about the smoke-free requirements or would like to schedule a presentation about the law for residents or property owners, please contact the Alameda County Tobacco Control Program at TCP@acgov.org or (510) 208-5920.

Smoke-free Multi-unit Housing FAQs for Landlord and Property Managers: English

Smoke-free Multi-unit Housing FAQs for Tenants: English | Spanish | Chinese | Vietnamese

Fill out this form to make a Smoking Complaint: English | Spanish | Chinese | Vietnamese

Sample Notice for Landlords: English | Spanish

Quit Smoking: Resources on how to quit smoking

See if the Law Applies Where You Live: Look up your address on this map

Smoke-free Law Ordinance O-2022-5: Download a printable copy of Ordinance O-2022-5.

Free No Smoking Signs

Order Laminated or Metal Signs
Download PDFs of Signs (Multiple languages available)