Table of Contents

• What exactly is a smoking lease addendum
• When to Utilize a Smoking Policy Addendum
• What Happens If You Don't Use a Smoking Lease Addendum?
• Most Frequently Used Situations for a Cannabis Smoking Policy Addendum
• Which states legalized the use of recreational and medicinal marijuana:
• What Information Should Be in a Smoking Addendum?
• How to Create a Smoking Lease Addendum
• Smoke-Free Lease Addendum Sample

What exactly is a smoking lease addendum?

A Smoking Lease Addendum is a supplementary document attached to a residential lease agreement that addresses the rules and regulations regarding smoking within a rental property. This addendum is typically used to establish smoking-related policies and restrictions to protect the health and comfort of both tenants and property owners.

Here are some key elements typically found in a Smoking Lease Addendum:

1. Definition of Smoking: It clearly defines what constitutes smoking, which may include traditional cigarette smoking, cigar smoking, electronic cigarette (vaping) use, and the use of other tobacco or smoking products.

2. Designated Smoking Areas: If smoking is permitted on the property, the addendum may specify designated smoking areas. These areas are usually located away from the rental unit to minimize the impact of secondhand smoke on other tenants.

3. No Smoking Policy: Alternatively, the addendum may implement a strict no smoking policy within the entire rental property, including the rental unit, common areas, and outdoor spaces. This means that smoking is prohibited everywhere on the premises.

4. Compliance with Local Laws: It may include a clause requiring tenants to comply with all applicable local, state, and federal smoking laws and regulations.

5. Responsibility for Damages: The addendum may outline the tenant's responsibility for any damages caused by smoking, such as the removal of smoke odors or stains from walls and carpets.

6. Penalties and Violations: It details the penalties for violating the smoking policy, which may include warnings, fines, or eviction. The consequences for multiple violations may also be specified.

7. Tenant's Acknowledgment: Tenants are typically required to sign the Smoking Lease Addendum, acknowledging that they have read and understood the smoking policy and agree to comply with its terms.

8. Effective Date: The date on which the addendum goes into effect is specified. In some cases, existing tenants may be asked to sign the addendum when it is implemented.

9. Lease Termination: Some lease addendums include a clause that allows tenants who are smokers to terminate their lease without penalties if they are uncomfortable with the smoking policy.

A Smoking Lease Addendum is especially useful when landlords want to address smoking-related issues proactively and prevent conflicts among tenants. It helps establish clear guidelines and expectations regarding smoking within the rental property, which can contribute to a more harmonious living environment for all residents.

When to Utilize a Smoking Policy Addendum

A Smoking Policy Addendum should be utilized in the following situations:

1. When Implementing a No Smoking Policy: If you, as a landlord, are transitioning your rental property to a smoke-free environment, you should use a Smoking Policy Addendum to inform tenants of the new policy. This is important when converting an existing property from a smoking-allowed to a smoke-free environment.

2. When Renting to New Tenants: When renting to new tenants, you can include a Smoking Policy Addendum along with the lease agreement. This ensures that the smoking policy is clearly communicated to tenants from the outset of their tenancy.

3. When Updating Existing Leases: If you already have existing tenants and you decide to implement or update a smoking policy, you can use a Smoking Policy Addendum. In such cases, it's important to ensure that tenants are given adequate notice of the policy change and the opportunity to review and sign the addendum.

4. When Addressing Smoking Issues: If you encounter issues related to smoking in your rental property, such as complaints from other tenants about secondhand smoke or damage caused by smoking, you can introduce a Smoking Policy Addendum to address these concerns and establish clear rules and consequences.

5. When Required by Local Laws: In some areas, local ordinances or laws may require landlords to include specific smoking-related provisions in their lease agreements. In such cases, a Smoking Policy Addendum can be used to ensure compliance with these legal requirements.

6. When Clarifying Smoking Rules: If your existing lease agreement lacks clear language regarding smoking rules, a Smoking Policy Addendum can be added to provide specific details on smoking policies and restrictions.

7. When Addressing Lease Renewals: If a tenant's lease is up for renewal and you want to update the terms of the lease agreement, including the smoking policy, you can use a Smoking Policy Addendum as part of the lease renewal process.

In all these situations, a Smoking Policy Addendum helps landlords and property managers communicate smoking-related rules and expectations to tenants, reduce conflicts, and establish a smoke-free or smoke-regulated environment in rental properties. It is essential to ensure that the addendum complies with local and state laws and is included as part of the lease documentation.

What Happens If You Don't Use a Smoking Lease Addendum?

If you don't use a Smoking Lease Addendum or include specific smoking-related clauses in your lease agreement, there can be several potential consequences and challenges:

1. Ambiguity: Without clear smoking-related terms in the lease, there may be ambiguity regarding whether smoking is allowed or prohibited on the property. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts between landlords and tenants.

2. Difficulty Enforcing Rules: In the absence of specific smoking rules, it can be challenging to enforce a smoking policy if issues arise. Tenants may claim that they were unaware of any smoking restrictions.

3. Secondhand Smoke Issues: If smoking is not addressed in the lease, tenants may be more likely to smoke indoors, which can result in secondhand smoke complaints from other tenants. This can lead to disputes and potential legal actions.

4. Property Damage: Smoking indoors can cause damage to the rental unit, including lingering odors, stains, and potential fire hazards. Without clear rules and consequences, tenants may not take proper precautions.

5. Legal Challenges: In some areas, landlords may have a legal obligation to provide smoke-free living environments, especially in multi-unit buildings. Failure to do so could result in legal challenges and fines.

6. Inconsistent Policies: If smoking policies are not standardized through a Smoking Lease Addendum or clear lease terms, you may have inconsistent policies across your rental properties, which can lead to confusion and potential issues.

7. Difficulty in Lease Enforcement: When disputes arise related to smoking, it can be challenging to resolve them without clear lease provisions. Legal actions and evictions may be more complicated without a documented smoking policy.

8. Tenant Complaints: Lack of a clear smoking policy can result in tenant complaints and dissatisfaction, which can impact tenant retention and the overall reputation of your property.

To avoid these potential issues, it's advisable to use a Smoking Lease Addendum or include comprehensive smoking-related clauses in your lease agreement. This helps set clear expectations, reduces the likelihood of disputes, and provides a legal framework for addressing smoking-related matters in your rental property. Additionally, it's essential to ensure that your smoking policies comply with local and state laws and regulations.

Most Frequently Used Situations for a Cannabis Smoking Policy Addendum

A Cannabis Smoking Policy Addendum is commonly used in various situations where property owners, landlords, or property managers want to establish clear rules and regulations regarding the use of cannabis (marijuana) within rental properties. Some of the most frequently used situations for implementing a Cannabis Smoking Policy Addendum include:

1. Transitioning to a Smoke-Free Property: Landlords who wish to convert their rental property into a smoke-free environment, including prohibiting the smoking of cannabis, would use this addendum to communicate the new policy to tenants.

2. Compliance with State Laws: In regions where the recreational or medicinal use of cannabis is legal, landlords may implement a Cannabis Smoking Policy Addendum to ensure that tenants comply with state-specific laws and regulations regarding cannabis consumption.

3. Addressing Secondhand Smoke Concerns: Landlords may use the addendum when they receive complaints from other tenants about secondhand smoke from cannabis use. It allows them to establish rules and designated smoking areas to mitigate these issues.

4. Clarifying Tenant Responsibilities: The addendum is used to clarify tenant responsibilities regarding the use of cannabis, such as ensuring that any smoke or odors do not disturb neighbors or damage the property.

5. Setting Designated Smoking Areas: In situations where the landlord permits cannabis smoking but wants to restrict it to specific outdoor areas, the addendum can designate these areas and outline rules for their use.

6. Including Cannabis in Existing Smoking Policies: For properties with existing smoking policies that do not explicitly address cannabis use, the addendum can be added to extend smoking restrictions to include cannabis.

7. New Lease Agreements: When entering into new lease agreements, landlords can include the Cannabis Smoking Policy Addendum to ensure that tenants are aware of and agree to the property's cannabis-related rules.

8. Lease Renewals: During lease renewal processes, landlords may introduce or update the Cannabis Smoking Policy Addendum to maintain or modify cannabis-related rules for existing tenants.

9. Compliance with Federal Housing Regulations: For landlords who manage properties that receive federal housing assistance, the addendum can help ensure compliance with federal regulations, which generally prohibit the use of controlled substances, including cannabis, on the property.

10. Mitigating Legal Risks: Landlords may use the addendum to mitigate potential legal risks associated with cannabis use on their properties and to establish a legal framework for addressing cannabis-related matters.

11. Educating Tenants: The addendum can serve as an educational tool, informing tenants about the property's cannabis-related policies, including any consequences for non-compliance.

12. Promoting a Positive Living Environment: Landlords may implement a Cannabis Smoking Policy Addendum to promote a positive, respectful, and harmonious living environment for all tenants by minimizing conflicts related to cannabis use.

In any situation where a Cannabis Smoking Policy Addendum is used, it is essential to ensure that the policies comply with local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding cannabis use and that tenants are provided with clear, written guidelines and expectations.

Which states legalized the use of recreational and medicinal marijuana:

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the legalization status of recreational and medicinal marijuana varies by state in the United States. Please note that the legal landscape regarding cannabis can change over time, and new laws may have been enacted since then. Here is a general overview of the states that had legalized recreational and medicinal marijuana up to that point:

States with Legal Recreational Marijuana:

1. Alaska

2. Arizona

3. California

4. Colorado

5. Illinois

6. Maine

7. Massachusetts

8. Michigan

9. Nevada

10. Oregon

11. Vermont

12. Washington

States with Legal Medicinal Marijuana:

1. Alaska

2. Arizona

3. Arkansas

4. California

5. Colorado

6. Connecticut

7. Delaware

8. Florida

9. Hawaii

10. Illinois

11. Louisiana

12. Maine

13. Maryland

14. Massachusetts

15. Michigan

16. Minnesota

17. Missouri

18. Montana

19. Nevada

20. New Hampshire

21. New Jersey

22. New Mexico

23. New York

24. North Dakota

25. Ohio

26. Oklahoma

27. Oregon

28. Pennsylvania

29. Rhode Island

30. Utah

31. Vermont

32. Washington

33. West Virginia

Some states had comprehensive medical marijuana programs, while others had more limited programs or were in the process of implementing their programs.

Additionally, it's important to note that laws and regulations regarding cannabis can change frequently. Some states may have legalized cannabis for both recreational and medicinal use, while others may have only legalized it for one of these purposes. Additionally, the specific rules and regulations governing cannabis use, possession, and distribution can vary widely from state to state.

What Information Should Be in a Smoking Addendum?

Generally speaking, a straightforward smoking lease amendment should include at least the following:

Who may or may not smoke, including tenants and their visitors

What is permitted and prohibited on the property, including the use of any type of tobacco or marijuana

Where the restriction, if any, is in effect, particularly on the premises, which includes communal areas

What are the repercussions of breaking the addendum, including the possibility of early lease termination? Why is smoking considered a disturbance and nuisance to nearby households if it is prohibited or restricted?

Whether smoking by tenants will result in the loss of their security deposit or make them liable for any damages

How to Create a Smoking Lease Addendum

Creating a Smoking Lease Addendum involves clear communication of smoking-related rules and regulations to tenants. Here are six steps to help you create a Smoking Lease Addendum:

1. Understand Local Laws and Regulations:
   • Before drafting the addendum, research and understand local, state, and federal laws and regulations related to smoking in rental properties. Ensure your addendum complies with these legal requirements.

2. Define the Smoking Policy:
   • Clearly define the smoking policy you want to implement. Decide whether you will allow smoking, prohibit it entirely, or designate specific smoking areas. Be specific about the types of smoking substances covered (e.g., tobacco, cannabis).

3. Draft the Addendum:
   • Begin drafting the addendum using clear and concise language. Include the following elements:
     • Introduction: State that the addendum is an extension of the lease agreement.
     • Definitions: Define key terms, such as "smoking," "smoking area," and any other relevant terms.
     • Smoking Policy: Clearly outline the rules and regulations related to smoking, including where and when smoking is allowed or prohibited.
     • Consequences: Detail the consequences for violating the smoking policy, such as warnings, fines, or lease termination.
     • Effective Date: Specify when the addendum goes into effect.
     • Tenant Acknowledgment: Include a section for tenants to acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the smoking policy.
     • Signature Lines: Provide space for both the landlord/property manager and the tenant to sign and date the addendum.

4. Review and Legal Consultation:
   • Review the addendum for accuracy and clarity. Consider consulting with legal counsel to ensure that the addendum complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

5. Notify Tenants:
   • Notify existing tenants of the new Smoking Lease Addendum and provide them with a copy to review. Allow them sufficient time to read and sign the addendum. This can typically be done as part of a lease renewal or through a separate notice.

6. Collect Signed Addendums:
   • Once tenants have reviewed and agreed to the addendum, collect signed copies from all affected parties. Maintain these signed addendums as part of the lease documentation.

By following these steps, you can create a Smoking Lease Addendum that effectively communicates your smoking policies to tenants and ensures compliance with local regulations. Be sure to retain clear records of all signed addendums for reference and enforcement purposes.

Smoke-Free Lease Addendum Sample