In cooperation with The Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project, competitive grants of up to $10,000 are being offered to property managers, owners and condo associations who enforce smoke-free property regulations, according to a press release from the Respiratory Health Association.

The project, called Piloting and Promoting Smokefree Homes, aims to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and smoking rates.

“The Piloting and Promoting Smokefree Homes funding can be used for updating leases and other legal documents, educating and surveying residents, and offering resources for tenants who wish to quit smoking,” stated the press release. “As much as 65 percent of the air in any given unit is shared among other common areas and other units, so tenants inhale what their neighbors are breathing out.”

It has also been found that turnover costs for smoke-free units are far less than units where smoking is permitted, offering a long term benefit to property owners of smoke-free lodging.

Additionally, studies have shown that Chicago renters are seeking smoke-free buildings, with 32 percent saying they would pay more for such accommodations.

The deadline for application is June 15; interested parties can learn more about the program, or download the application here.