Smoking Policy Disclosure Sign (Local Law 147) Explained
Every NYC apartment building has to have a smoking policy, and tenants have to know what it is. That's been the law since 2018, but plenty of buildings never got around to it. Here's what Local Law 147 requires and how posting it in the lobby keeps you covered.
The quick answer
In short: Under Local Law 147 of 2017, owners of Class A multiple dwellings, including co-ops and condos, must adopt a smoking policy, then give every tenant a copy or post it in a prominent spot, and repeat that every year. The policy must cover all indoor and outdoor areas.
What the policy must cover
The law doesn't tell you whether to allow or ban smoking. It tells you to decide and say so clearly, for every part of the property:
- 1Indoor areasApartments, hallways, lobbies, laundry rooms and other common areas. Smoking is already banned in common areas under the Smoke-Free Air Act.
- 2Outdoor areasCourtyards, rooftops, balconies, patios and any outdoor space tied to a unit.
- 3Who it applies toTenants, their guests and anyone else on the property.
The NYC Health Department offers a sample residential smoking policy you can start from.
Posting vs handing out
Owners can meet the disclosure rule two ways: give every tenant a copy, or post the policy in a prominent location in the building. Then do it again every year. Most owners find a framed policy in the lobby is the easiest way to stay compliant year after year, since it's always up.
We make framed smoking policy signs with your building's own policy text. See custom signs
Co-ops, condos and leases
Include the policy in every lease, and in subleases too.
The board of managers adds it to the bylaws or rules.
The board adds it to the bylaws or house rules.
When the policy changes
If you make a material change, notify every tenant in writing or post the change prominently. Changes don't bind tenants in the middle of an existing lease unless the lease says so, and they don't bind rent controlled or rent stabilized tenants who lived there before the first policy was adopted. Keep this year's disclosure and any change notices from the past year in case the city asks.
Where to post it
On your lobby notice wall, next to the housing guide and the fire safety notice. Separately, every building with 3 or more units must post "No smoking or electronic cigarette use" signs in common areas like halls, stairs and laundry rooms, under the Smoke-Free Air Act. Our lobby placement guide shows a layout with room for it.
What this looks like in practice
Say a co-op board decides to ban smoking in all common areas and on the roof, but not inside apartments. The board updates the house rules, frames a one page policy for the lobby, and adds "No smoking" signs on the roof door and in the laundry room. Every January, they hand out a copy with the annual notices, so the yearly requirement is covered twice.
Tips from our shop
- Keep it to one page.
Short and clear is easier to post and easier to follow.
- Mention vaping and cannabis.
Many buildings spell these out so there's no confusion.
- Bundle with January notices.
Hand it out with the window guard notice and stove knob notice.
Official sources: NYC Admin Code smoking policy disclosure, NYC Health sample smoking policy.
Quick answers
Do NYC apartment buildings need a smoking policy?
Yes. Class A multiple dwellings, including co-ops and condos, must adopt and disclose one under Local Law 147 of 2017.
Does the policy have to ban smoking?
No. It must say where smoking is allowed or not allowed, indoors and outdoors.
How often must I disclose it?
When adopted and then every year, by giving tenants a copy or posting it in a prominent spot.
Not sure what your building needs?
Send us your address and number of apartments. We will tell you exactly which signs to order.
General information based on the NYC HPD Required Signage page as of November 2026. Not legal advice. HPD Signs NYC is not affiliated with the City of New York or HPD. Prices may change. Check nyc.gov/hpd for the latest rules.