Smoke-Free Law Complaints

To submit a complaint or ask a question about North Dakota's state smoke-free law, please call 701.241.8576. Anonymous complaints are accepted.

North Dakota's smoke-free law prohibits smoking in most indoor public places, including common areas of apartment buildings, such as hallways, laundry rooms, recreation/common rooms, lobbies, and similar types of areas, as well as 20 feet from public entrances. This law, however, does not apply to individual units in multiunit housing. Smoke-free or tobacco-free policies in those units are decided by the building owner.

The most common complaint we get of violations of the North Dakota Smoke Free law is in multi-unit dwellings. We have a toolkit with action steps and considerations for tenants that are experiencing issues with secondhand smoke.

What does North Dakota's smoke-free law do?

North Dakota's smoke-free law prohibits smoking in most indoor public places, including common areas of apartment buildings, such as hallways, laundry rooms, recreation/common rooms, lobbies, and similar types of areas, as well as 20 feet from public entrances. This law, however, does not apply to individual units in multiunit housing. Smoke-free or tobacco-free policies in those environments are decided by the building owner.

What are common types of complaints?

The most common type of complaint we assist with is related to violations of the North Dakota smoke-free law in multi-unit dwellings. We have a toolkit with action steps and considerations for tenants who are experiencing issues with secondhand smoke.

Where can I find sample smoke-free or tobacco-free policies?

We provide tools to assist in creating, adopting, enforcing, and communicating about smoke-free policies that expand beyond what the ND Smoke Free Air law covers. Our resources can be used in a variety of different environments, including multi-unit housing, businesses, schools/campuses and child care centers.

We can also provide technical assistance in adopting a tobacco-free grounds policy.

Policy resources:

• Tenant toolkit for a smoke-free multi-unit housing policy
  
• Public Health Law Center Smoke-Free Housing Guidance