For years, the numbers of Americans who smoked cigarettes was on the decline. Health concerns became scary enough to prevent many from ever trying smoking to begin with. Property managers and other real estate professionals could ban smoking in their rentals with relative ease. As e-cigarettes become more and more popular, though, professionals throughout the industry are asking: what should my policy be?
To start with, it's important to have a good working understanding of what an e-cigarette actually is. These battery-operated electronic devices deliver nicotine through tobacco-free vapor. Because this vapor is free of tobacco's cancer-causing chemicals, many believe it to be a safer way to consume nicotine. Unfortunately, the second-hand vapor can include other carcinogenic chemicals including formaldehyde. The FDA announced that they would be treating e-cigarettes the same way they do other tobacco products. If your tenants ask about smoking their vape pens inside, you'll have a conundrum on your hands. While vaping does not result in the same degree of smoke and smell that cigarettes and cigars do, it does require the inhalation of a substance. Depending on your definition, this could be considered smoking. Ultimately, your decision should come down to what is best for your property. If promoting pro-vaping housing would be a boost to your advertisements, then it may be a good option. Because the long-term impact of vaping has not yet been determined, though, it's best to air on the side of caution. - Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
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AuthorScott Safadi leverages extensive experience in the real estate industry to serve as the CEO of Cal Bay Property Management (CBPM), which he founded in Palo Alto, California. Archives
January 2020
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