NEW YORK — Related Companies has decided to ban smoking in all of their rental units across the country, including thousands in New York City, according to reports.
The change, designed to cut down on secondhand smoke and promote healthier living conditions, will take place gradually over the next several years, The New York Times reported.
Starting this month, all new tenants in the 40,000 rental units Related owns or manages will be required to sign a contract promising not to smoke anywhere in the building, the Times reported. Existing tenants will be required to sign the contract when their lease is up for renewal.
Tenants who violate the contract can be evicted, the Times reported.
The new smoking ban expands on a 2009 pilot effort by Related to eliminate smoking in several of its 20 New York City rental buildings.
