Apartment smoking-disclosure policy taking shape in Philly

A measure proposed in Philadelphia City Council seeks to clear the air over apartment building smoking policies. 

Councilwoman Cindy Bass wants apartment owners to disclose whether smoking is allowed before a renter signs the lease — and then finds out the neighbors are smokers.

“If you have any sort of breathing issues, it can be very detrimental to your health, so it’s a health issue,” Bass said. “Residents and potential tenants should have knowledge about what they are moving into.”

The bill’s specifics are still to be debated at an upcoming public hearing on the measure. Those details include deciding on the number of apartment units owned by a landlord before disclosure would be mandated.