Smoke-Free Policy

Learn about WECHC's Smoke-Free Policy, ensuring a healthy environment for tenants and employees. Find details on smoking restrictions, policy exceptions, and resources to help you quit.

WECHC is committed to providing tenants and employees with a safe and healthy environment. 

When you sign a lease with WECHC, you will agree not to smoke in your home or anywhere within nine (9) metres  away from any windows, doors, vents, entrances or exits. 

By law, if you were a tenant prior to January 1, 20182018, and have not moved out since, you will be able to continue to smoke in your leased premises (inside your home, on your balcony, and in your enclosed backyard). You must not smoke anywhere within nine (9) metres away from any windows, doors, vents, entrances or exits. 

You may also choose to opt-in by signing a no-smoking agreement at any time. Call your Tenant Servies Manager or speak with your Community Relations Worker to learn more. 

Transitioning to smoke-free buildings for all our WECHC neighbourhoods and communities will take time as existing residents will still be able to smoke in their existing unit. 

All tenants are required to comply with the restriction on smoking outside on WECHC property and existing restrictions related to smoking in common areas. In Ontario, it is against the law to smoke in common areas. 

Smoking is not allowed by anyone in the following areas:

  • Common areas 
  • Hallways 
  • Elevators 
  • Lounges 
  • Laundry rooms 
  • Within 9 metres of windows, doors, vents, entrances or exits. 

Questions and answers for new and existing tenants regarding our smoke-free policy

Question NEW TENANTS AND TRANSFERS 
Lease signed after January 1, 2018 		EXISTING TENANTS 
Lease signed before January 1, 2018
Is the Smoke- Free Policy in effect for all WECHC buildings/units in Windsor and Essex County, including: Windsor, Amherstburg, Town of Lakeshore, Town of Essex, Town of Kingsville, Town of LaSalle, Municipality of Leamington, Town of Tecumseh? Yes! 
All new tenants, and current tenants who transfer to another WECHC unit on or after January 1, 2018 must follow this Policy as outlined in the lease agreement they have signed. All our housing programs (family, seniors/ adult) and types of housing provided are included in the policy. High rises, low rises, walk ups, single homes, duplexes and townhomes. 		No! 
Current tenants are exempt from the policy until the end of your tenancies in your current unit. 
Is smoking allowed in my rental unit (including guests, visitors)? No! Yes! 
Is smoking allowed on apartment balconies and/or patios?No! Yes! 
In townhouse units, is smoking allowed in front and backyards?No! Yes! 
Is smoking allowed outside in outdoor common areas? No! 
At least nine (9) metres away from any windows, doors, vents, entrances or exits to the building.		No! 
At least nine (9) metres away from any windows, doors, vents, entrances or exits to the building 

 

Smoke-Free Housing

If you or your family members are interested in more information, please visit the following website which can further explain the benefits of living in a smoke-free environment for tenants of multi-unit housing. 

Windsor-Essex County Health Unit

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit offers free smoking cessation programming and help to find the best services available in the community to help you quit. 

Contact the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit: 519-258-2146 x 3100. 

Smokers' Helpline

Smokers’ Helpline offers tools to help you quit tobacco use: 

  • Phone Quit Program 
  • Online Quit Program 
  • Text Messaging Support All services are free and available in English and French. Interpreter service is available in over 100 languages with the phone quit program. 

Contact Smokers’ Helpline: 1-877-513-5333