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S 1137

An Act preventing fires and secondhand smoke in non-smoking rental housing

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dylan Fernandes and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill restricts smoking in rental housing to reduce fire hazards and secondhand smoke exposure in multi-unit buildings.

Accompanied a study order, see S2930
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Bill Summary · S 1137

Legislative bill overview

S 1137 would establish regulations in Massachusetts rental housing to prevent fires and limit secondhand smoke exposure by restricting smoking in non-smoking units and common areas. The bill aims to address both fire safety hazards and health risks associated with smoke migration between units. It represents an expansion of tenant protections beyond existing local smoke-free ordinances.

Why is this important

Secondhand smoke seepage between rental units is a documented health hazard that disproportionately affects renters who cannot modify their living spaces. Additionally, smoking-related fires cause significant property damage and injury, with rental properties experiencing higher fire incident rates. This legislation could affect thousands of Massachusetts renters and landlords, particularly in multi-unit buildings where smoke and fire risks cross unit boundaries.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord enforcement and liability: Questions remain about who bears responsibility for monitoring compliance, investigating complaints, and potential legal liability if fires or smoke incidents occur despite lease restrictions
  • Tenant privacy and enforcement mechanisms: Implementation could involve unit inspections or surveillance that raises concerns about tenant privacy rights and due process
  • Impact on housing affordability and availability: Landlords may reduce rental stock, increase screening practices, or raise rents to cover compliance costs, potentially tightening an already constrained rental market
  • Preemption of local ordinances: Unclear how state law would interact with existing municipal smoke-free housing regulations already in place in some Massachusetts cities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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