How to Take Action Re: Second-Hand Smoke
Via Smoke-Free Housing BC:
If you are suffering from unwanted second-hand smoke seeping into your home from neighbouring units, you are not alone.
One-half of British Columbians living in multi-unit dwellings has experienced second-hand smoke infiltrating their homes from neighbouring units. Unfortunately, most people never lodge formal complaints with their landlord because they feel that nothing can be done. For many, the only remedy is to move. But moving is not always an option, and there are things you can do.
Remember – landlords have a duty to address complaints of second-hand smoke if there is evidence that the smoke is unreasonably disturbing the enjoyment of other tenants. If a landlord fails to take reasonable steps to address an ongoing problem, you may apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for an “order requiring the landlord to provide quiet enjoyment and/or compensate tenants for their loss of quiet enjoyment.”