‘If I pay rent, I’m gonna smoke’: Insights on the social contract of smokefree housing policy in affordable housing settings

Smoke-free housing policy in multi-unit housing has emerged as a promising tobacco control initiative, yet full compliance remains elusive and is a critical impediment to policy effectiveness. There is a gap in existing research on potential factors preventing optimal smoke-free policy adoption and corresponding solutions. Using qualitative and quantitative data from resident surveys (N = 115) as well as key informant interviews, a focus group, and observational fieldwork, this study 1) assesses smoking behaviors and experience with secondhand smoke in buildings after adoption of a smoke-free policy; 2) examines resident and property management perceptions of the policy; and 3) identifies socioecological factors that influence the policy's effectiveness in affordable housing settings in New York City. Findings indicate that residents view smoking regulations within the context of broader relationships with the housing provider and other residents. We argue that these “social contracts” strongly influence the effectiveness of smoke-free housing policies and must be acknowledged to maximize compliance. •Smoke-free housing policies are a promising tobacco control initiative in multi-unit housing.•Smoking and secondhand smoke exposure remain prevalent in buildings despite smoke-free policies.•Addressing suboptimal compliance and enforcement is crucial to smoke-free policy effectiveness.•We present the social contract framework to understand barriers in achieving smoke-free buildings.