BATTLING SECOND-HAND SMOKE

Equity Residential and other large landlords advertise to prospective tenants that their buildings are “non-smoking” or “smoke-free.” However, in recent years they have refused to enforce their own rules regarding smoking in those buildings.

As a result, in some buildings there is a serious problem with second-hand smoke, which drifts from one apartment to another via poor ventilation systems.

In other words, despite the fact that tenants were led to believe that the buildings are smoke free, and residents are paying for a smoke-free environment, they actually are inhaling a lot of second-hand smoke.

This is a particular problem in 3003 Van Ness, which is occupied by many seniors who are in their apartments during the day, and many people who work at home. They smell smoke all day.

As a result of this serious health problem, the Van Ness South Tenants Association has frequently complained to Equity Residential management, worked with other tenant associations, designed a survey on second-hand smoke to demonstrate the scope of the problem, shared the results of the survey with policymakers and the public, and lobbied the DC Council for help.

Nevertheless, so far neither Equity Residential nor the goverment of Washington DC have agreed to protect the health rights of non-smokers. The fight goes on.