Multi-Unit Dwellings

Smoking and vaping is not permitted in the indoor common areas of condominiums, apartment buildings and college and university residences. This includes elevators, stairwells, hallways, parking garages, laundry facilities, lobbies, exercise areas and party or entertainment rooms.

Note: Additional restrictions on smoking and vaping may exist in condominium bylaws, lease agreements and the policies of universities and colleges.

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) requires that proprietors of condominiums, apartment buildings and college and university residences make sure that smoking and vaping laws are followed. A proprietor includes the owner, operator or person in charge of the place.

Every proprietor must:

  • give notice to the residents and visitors that smoking and vaping is prohibited in the indoor common areas of the building
  • post “No Smoking” and “No Vaping” signs, or a dual “No Smoking and No Vaping” sign at entrances, exits and washrooms of the indoor common areas, in appropriate locations and in sufficient numbers, to ensure that residents and visitors are aware that smoking and vaping is not allowed
  • ensure that no ashtrays or similar items remain in the indoor common areas
  • ensure that persons do not smoke or vape in the indoor common areas
  • ensure that someone who refuses to comply with Ontario’s smoking and vaping laws does not remain in the indoor common area

An individual who violates the prohibition on smoking and vaping in the indoor common areas of a condominium, apartment building or university or college residence may be charged and if convicted, may face a maximum fine of $1,000 (for a first offence) or $5,000 (for any further offence).

A proprietor of a condominium, apartment building or university or college residence that fails to fulfill their responsibility under the law may be charged and if convicted, may face a maximum fine:

Signage responsibilities

  • For individuals:
    • $2,000 for a first offence
    • $5,000 for a second offence
    • $10,000 for a third offence
    • $50,000 four or more offences
  •  For corporations:
    • $5,000 for a first offence;
    • $10,000 for a second offence
    • $25,000 for a third offence
    • $75,000 for four or more offences

Other responsibilities

  • For individuals:
    • $1,000 for a first offence
    • $5,000 for two or more offences
  • For corporations:
    • $100,000 for a first offence
    • $300,000 for two or more offences

Print the Multi-Unit Dwellings Fact Sheet.