Officially 1,000 properties have become part of Iowa’s Smoke Free Homes Registry.

The registry was launched in 2012 by the Iowa Department of Public Health in an effort to protect against secondhand smoke exposure in housing. According to IDPH, more than 80% of Iowans are non-smokers and generally prefer to rent from non-smoking properties. In order to be entered in the registry, a property must have at least one building that is 100% smoke free and must have this specified in the lease. Once a property is listed as smoke free the owner can get free signage, be listed on the smoke free housing website, and assistance with implementing lease language. Also, being a smoke free property can lower cleaning and maintenance costs. Currently there are two with multiple units listed in Washington, two in Keota, 134 in Iowa City, and 15 in Fairfield.