As of this month, the Related Companies has decided that tenants can no longer light up in the 40,000 rental units it owns or manages. The edict, which builds on an effort that began for Related with a handful of its New York buildings in 2009, is meant to create healthier living conditions, company officials said.
© Tony Cenicola/The New York Times
Those already renting from Related can light up until their leases expire, but new tenants must sign a contract promising not to smoke, even inside their own units.
Those already renting from Related can light up until their leases expire, but new tenants must sign a contract promising not to smoke, even inside their own units.
Not that smokers will get kicked to the curb right away. New tenants must sign a contract promising not to smoke anywhere in the building, including their private terraces or balconies. If they break the rules, they can be evicted. But those already renting will not face the same fate until after they renew their leases and sign the no-smoking contract. With a turnover rate of 10,000 a year, Related's apartments could conceivably be smoke-free in a few years' time.
Critics point out that tenants could always lie about their habit, and hide it successfully. Also, it can be very difficult to evict tenants - especially those whose rents are regulated, as they have strong protections and guaranteed lease renewals.
Comment: Flashback: 4,000 tons of shells explode in Central Russia, leave mushroom cloud-like plume of smoke, evacuations - controversy surrounding the explosions