Smoking policy notification bill clears Philly City Council hurdle

Reacting to complaints from non-smokers, a Philadelphia City Council committee has approved a bill demanding potential tenants be notified of a building’s smoking policy.

Thurm Brendlinger of the Clean Air Council says the group constantly receives complaints from people that are severely impacted by secondhand smoke that seeps into their apartments.

“Individuals, especially more sensitive populations like elderly or those with young children will call distraught about the smoke is getting into their unit,” he said.  “That smoke can come in from an adjoining unit one connected by a hallway or ventilation system or even from an outdoor deck or porch.”

Rue Landau of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations says the bill just gives potential tenants information that could impact their health.

“Fearful of eviction some tenants choose not to complain at all and suffer the consequences of second-hand smoke — often exasperating their health condition,” she said.

The aim of the bill is to give tenants knowledge before they sign a  lease.