A new smoking law is now in effect in New York City. All residential buildings with more than three units must post an official smoking policy for their tenants.

The law is not a smoking ban, but it requires landlords to make an official decision whether residents can or can't smoke in their units. Landlords that don't post such a policy could face a hundred dollar civil penalty.

"We know that a lot of New Yorkers, almost fifty-percent in multi-unit housing," said Achala Talati, a medical specialist with the NYC Department of Health, "report smelling cigarette smoke in their home coming from outside of their home."

She hopes the new law will get landlords talking to residents about whether they want a smoke-free building.

Deidre Sully, Director of NYC Smoke-Free at Public Health Solutions, explained anti-smoking policies are usually only in higher end buildings.

"They’re like a premium," she said, "like a pool or a spa or a parking space that you can have in your house — you can live smoke free. But people in more affordable housing were not necessarily reaping those same benefits."

The hope is that landlords of all buildings will at least think about going smoke-free, so it's not just a luxury amenity.

Talati said if you live in a building with more than three units and you don't see a smoking policy posted in your building, call 311.