Inform your landlord in writing that you are having a problem with secondhand smoke; keep copies of all correspondence. We have a Secondhand Smoke Communication Record that you can print or save to your computer to keep track of all communications with your landlord, other tenants and outside agencies.
If you are having a health problem related to the secondhand smoke, get your doctor to write a letter documenting the problem and send a copy to your landlord. See our Sample Physician Letter .
Ask other tenants if they are having a problem with secondhand smoke. Tell them to voice their concerns to the landlord.
If you have a disability that you think is related to secondhand smoke, you may ask your landlord for “reasonable accommodations” to allow you to use your housing just like everybody else. In this instance, reasonable accommodations might include such things as adopting smoking restrictions for your building, being moved to a smoking-restricted building, providing a separate ventilation system or sealing off your apartment.