City Of Alameda: Up In Smoke

Press release from the City of Alameda:

February 02, 2022

The next day, she notices the same odor throughout her apartment. Unsure of what else to do, Jane goes to her neighbor’s apartment and knocks on the door. The smell of smoke is stronger than ever as her neighbor Cristiano answers the door. Politely, Jane asks if he is smoking in his unit. He says, “We’re just having some smokes and a few drinks, it’s all good.” The next day, Cristiano’s smoking continues. Jane’s cough is still happening.

In the City of Alameda, smoking is prohibited inside all rental units – and also in shared common areas, such as lobbies and shared yards or patios.

     - Landlords are required to post no-smoking signs in common areas and entrances; and to include a lease provision that bars smoking. They also must notify applicants of these rules.

If any of these rules are violated, there are things you can do. First, talk to the person who is smoking and let them know about the laws. This will sometimes resolve the issue then and there. If the landlord is not following their rules, reach out and let them know.

After a few awkward conversations and heated emails, Jane was able to convince Cristiano that it wasn’t worth the fight – and he found a way to do his smoking far from the apartment building.

(The names and facts have been changed, but this story is similar to cases we have handled.) 

Photographs by Maurice Ramirez.

This press release was produced by the City of Alameda. The views expressed here are the author’s own.