For many people, renting a house or property isn’t just about how spacious or beautiful the place is; it’s also about how safe and healthy the environment feels.
In Abuja, some residents have suggested that landlords consider including a “no smoking” clause in tenancy agreements, particularly in premises where tenants share living spaces.
One of the residents, who sought anonymity, said she had endured months of discomfort caused by cigarette and marijuana smoke drifting into her apartment from neighbouring tenants.
According to her, the smoke regularly enters through her windows, affecting her health.
“It’s becoming unbearable. Some of these chronic smokers who live in my compound light up every day, right beside my window, and the smoke fills my personal space,” she lamented.
“I think landlords or agents should start adding a ‘no smoking’ rule in the tenancy agreement to protect tenants like us. At least if you must smoke, do it inside your apartment, not outside, where the smoke can easily drift into other people’s homes,” she said.
According to the tenant, initial verbal warnings issued to those responsible were ignored. She also claimed that the caretaker in charge of the residence became reluctant to pursue the matter further after several unsuccessful attempts.
Health experts have long warned about the dangers of secondhand smoke, particularly in shared living spaces.
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of serious health problems, including coronary heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and reproductive complications such as low birth weight in newborns.
In children, the effects can be even more severe, ranging from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and respiratory infections to asthma attacks and ear infections. The NCDC notes that the impact of secondhand smoke is immediate and, since 1964, approximately 2.5 million non-smokers have died from illnesses linked to secondhand smoke exposure.
While there is no law in Nigeria banning smoking in private residences, research shows that landlords have the right to include house rules or clauses in tenancy agreements to protect the well-being of all occupants. Tenants are hoping that more landlords will take proactive steps to ensure healthier and safer living environments.
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