{"id":20544,"date":"2018-07-19T05:00:31","date_gmt":"2018-07-19T12:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/?p=20544"},"modified":"2020-12-25T03:19:47","modified_gmt":"2020-12-25T11:19:47","slug":"no-smoking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yardi.com\/blog\/no-smoking\/","title":{"rendered":"No Smoking Units"},"content":{"rendered":"

Transitioning one property to a nonsmoking policy can be a challenge.\"\"<\/a> But 49 properties? That\u2019s no small feat. NALS Apartment Homes<\/a> recently undertook this task, using the communication tools in RentCafe<\/a> to help smooth the process.<\/p>\n

Keep reading to learn more about NALS\u2019 decision to roll out a nonsmoking policy, the three-phase approached it used and the effect the shift has had on marketing, leasing and retention.<\/p>\n

Why Transition to a Nonsmoking Portfolio<\/strong><\/p>\n

NALS began exploring options to reduce and\/or eliminate smoking across its portfolio in 2015. After polling residents and staff, researching local laws and engaging with local chapters of the American Lung Association, it was determined that most properties would adopt a nonsmoking policy.<\/p>\n

According to the NALS 2017 Annual Report, \u201cWhile the negative health effects of smoking influenced our decision, we were also motivated to mitigate the increased costs of cleaning a smoking apartment, the increased risk of fire caused by smokers and the disturbance that smoking causes to nonsmoking resident and employees.\u201d<\/p>\n

Policy Change in Three Parts<\/strong><\/p>\n

NALS approached the transition to nonsmoking gradually, to allow time for clear communication and minimize the impact on residents.<\/p>\n

\u201cRentCafe was a huge help in making our nonsmoking policy a success,\u201d shared Kayla Campbell, marketing leader at NALS. \u201cWe used RENTCaf\u00e9 <\/em>to send out the initial surveys, and then to streamline what was communicated about the policy in our marketing, online applications and email correspondence. We also used the calendar and announcement functions in the resident portals to ensure the transition date was top-of-mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

Phase 1 (2015): Surveys<\/em><\/p>\n

NALS sent out surveys to gauge interest at the properties, determine primary resident questions\/concerns to address and to see which specific buildings were already effectively nonsmoking.<\/p>\n

Phase 2 (2016):\u00a0 Notice of Intentions<\/em><\/p>\n

A notice of NALS\u2019 intentions to implement a nonsmoking policy in the coming year was incorporated into the online application and lease agreement through RentCafe. This phase lasted one year so that all new and renewing residents had a chance to review and agree to the anticipated policy change.<\/p>\n

Phase 3 (2017): Policy Implementation<\/em><\/p>\n

Once all residents had signed the notice addendum, NALS provided 60-days\u2019 notice that the policy would be going into effect. The upcoming change was communicated via RentCafe resident portals and on social media. From then on, all new leases included the nonsmoking addendum, and the policy was incorporated into NALS\u2019 online marketing and onsite signage.<\/p>\n

Onsite Impact & Resident Feedback<\/strong><\/p>\n

The nonsmoking policy has been a net positive for onsite marketing and operations. As of May 2018, NALS Apartment Homes has:<\/p>\n