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Here’s the information from the Pasadena-Foothills Association of Realtors:

Starting January 1, 2013, it will be unlawful to smoke in any common area, patio, balcony, or inside a unit within any multi-family building (defined as two or more units.)

Effective January 1, 2012, property owners/managers must post No Smoking signs in the common areas of their building.

Also, effective January 1, 2012, all leases/rental agreements AND purchase agreements must contain a reference to the prohibition AND a copy of the ordinance.

What does this mean for you if you are a smoker? If you live in a condo, townhome or apartment complex in Pasadena, you cannot smoke in any common areas (for example, halls, meeting rooms or around the pool) on your balcony or patio, or within your condo, townhome or apartment.

If you are a Pasadena landlord, as of January 1, 2013, all leases and rental agreements must contain information about this no smoking law and you must include a copy of the ordinance.

If you are selling a home or are a real estate agent involved in a real estate sale in Pasadena you must include a reference to the no smoking ordinance in the purchase agreement as well as a copy of the ordinance.

Here’s a release from Laura Olhasso, Pasadena Government Affairs Director. 626.795.2455

Pasadena City Council Passes Ordinance Banning Smoking in Multi-Family Buildings
Earlier this week (July 11, 2011), the Pasadena City Council passed an ordinance which will ban smoking in all multi-family building (defined as two units or more). Smoking will be banned in all common areas and within the unit themselves, including balconies or patios.
The ban goes into effect immediately for apartment units which are newly constructed or which are being leased or rented for the first time.
It will be unlawful to smoke in ALL multi-family units (including condos and townhomes as well as apartments) effective Jan 1. 2013.
Property owners, managers, homeowners associations, etc. will be required to post signs noting the no smoking law but are not responsible for its enforcement. Enforcement of the ordinance will be through the city’s health department.
All lease agreements entered into after Jan. 1, 2012 will incorporate ordinance disclosure information. All purchase agreements after Jan 1. 2012 are to include a reference to the ordinance and a copy of it. PFAR will be working with city staff to develop disclosure forms and information.
Questions: Laura Olhasso, Government Affairs Director. 626.795.2455

And here’s a copy the the no smoking ordinance:

8.78.080 – Posting of signs.

A.  Every owner, operator, manager, or other persons having control of a structure where smoking is prohibited under this chapter shall conspicuously post in such buildings “No Smoking” signs with capital letters not less than one-inch in height on a contrasting background. The international “No Smoking” symbol (consisting of a pictorial representation of a burning cigarette enclosed in a red circle with a red bar across it) may be used in lieu of the written “No Smoking” sign, or a sign approved by the city’s health officer.

B.  The “No Smoking” postings may be limited to first floor entrances and exits, lobbies, restrooms, and elevators.

(Ord. 6548 § 2 (part), 1993)

8.78.085 – Reduction of drifting tobacco smoke in multi-unit housing.

A.  The following words and phrases, whenever used in this section, shall have the following meanings:

1. “Common area” means every interior or exterior space of multi-unit housing that residents of more than one unit are entitled to enter or use, including, without limitation, halls and paths, lobbies and courtyards, elevators and stairs, community rooms and playgrounds, gym facilities and swimming pools, parking garages and parking lots, shared restrooms, shared laundry rooms, shared cooking areas, and shared eating areas.2. “Multi-unit housing” means residential property containing two or more dwelling units but does not include a hotel or motel that meets the requirements set forth in California Civil Code Section 1940(b)(2) or a mobile home park.3.  “New unit” means, for new construction, a unit that is issued a certificate of occupancy on and after July 1, 2011, or, for buildings already constructed, a unit that is leased or rented for residential use for the first time on and after July 1, 2011.

   4.  “Nonsmoking area” means any unit or common area of multi-unit housing in which smoking is prohibited by this section.

   5.  “Unit” means a personal dwelling space, even where lacking cooking facilities or private plumbing facilities, and includes any associated exclusive-use enclosed area or unenclosed area, such as, without limitation, a private balcony, porch, deck or patio. “Unit” includes without limitation: an apartment; a condominium; a townhouse; a room in a long-term health care facility, assisted living facility, or hospital; a room in a single room occupancy facility; and a room in a homeless shelter.

B.  Nonsmoking Areas in Multi-Unit Housing.

1. It is unlawful to smoke in all common areas of multi-unit housing.
2. It is unlawful to smoke in all new units of multi-unit housing.
3. It is unlawful to smoke in all multi-unit housing units on and after January 1, 2013.

C.  Disclosure of the Requirements of this Section.

1. Every lease or other rental agreement for the occupancy of a multi-unit housing unit entered into, renewed or continued month-to-month on and after January 1, 2012 shall contain a reference to this section and attach a copy of this section.
2. Every purchase agreement for the sale of a multi-unit housing unit entered into on or after January 1, 2012 shall contain a reference to this section and attach a copy of this section.

D.  Violations and Enforcement.

1. It is unlawful for any person to violate the provisions of this section.
2. Notwithstanding Section 8.78.110 or any other provision of this code, a violation of this section shall be punishable under the administrative citation procedures set forth in Chapters 1.25 and 1.26. The fine imposed for a particular violation shall be in the amount set forth in the administrative citation schedule established by resolution of the city council pursuant to Section 1.26.060.
3. The provisions of this section shall be enforced by the health officer of the city or an authorized designee in the environmental health division. An owner, operator, manager, landlord, homeowners’ association, or other person having control of a multi-unit housing unit shall post signs as required by Section 8.78.080; however, said persons may, but are not hereby required, to assist with enforcing the provisions of this section and shall not be deemed in violation of this section by failure to assist its enforcement.

Please note, the information contained in this post is for informational purposes and is not intended as legal advice. You should consult with an attorney or licensed real estate professional before acting on any information contained in this post.

If you are selling or listing a Pasadena home and need help getting rid of smoking odors read Home Stagers Tips: How To Remove Smoking Odors From Your Home

Photo credit: Nirbhao on Flickr

How? Have your investment real estate staged by professional home stagers at Moving Mountains Design.

As a wise real estate investor, you know you have to spend a little money to make even more money. Home staging has been proven to help homes sell faster than unstaged home, usually for a higher price. In one study, published by the Real Estate Staging Association, staged homes sold 74% faster after they were staged than when they were unstaged. That resulted in lower holding costs and less time wasted, which equals higher profits.

Following are some Los Angeles properties staged for local real estate investors. Just click on any photo to see more photos and information about that particular property.

San Gabriel - This home sold 1 day after staging, after sitting unsold for 6 months!

Belair Condo - This condo sold 1 week after staging

San Marino - Home was recently listed

Altadena - This home sold during first month on the market

If you are a real estate investor with assets to sell in the Los Angeles or North Orange County areas, call the home staging company that real estate investors, large and small, trust to help sell their investment properties, Moving Mountains Design. We are set up to handle multiple properties at one time and stage properties valued as low as $250,000 and as high as $7M. We will travel to stage properties outside the Los Angeles area (special terms apply).

From the listing agent:

This is a wonderful townhome style condo located in a desirable NOHO neighborhood/ West Toluca Lake area. Open floor plan, bright and airy. The living room has a spacious balcony where you can enjoy views of Camarillo tree-lined street. Bedrooms are located on the 2nd floor. 2 master bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. Both bedrooms are comfortable in size with good closet spaces. Kitchen has been recently updated with new granite tile countertops. Both the dining area and the kitchen has lots of light. There is a breakfast counter off the kitchen. A private patio deck is located on the 3rd level. It is a perfect spot to entertain and relax/enjoy the summer evenings. The condo is centrally located to NOHO Metro Rail and easy access to the freeway. This is a perfect starter condo – ready to move in and enjoy. Nearby Notables: Lakeside Golf Club, North Hollywood Park, North Waddington Recreation Center, South Waddington Park, and Whitnall-Off-Leash Dog Park.

For more information about North Hollywood, Toluca Lake or Los Angeles home staging, please call us at 626-385-8852. We know what makes homes sell!

CARETS# 22153952

I was hired to stage this condo last year by the heirs of the original owners. They didn’t have the time or energy to do the suggested repairs, and so I suggested they meet with a Los Angeles real estate investor I often recommend in these circumstances. They met with Jennifer and a deal was struck. Jennifer then completely remodeled the unit (new kitchen cabinets, granite counters, new appliances, hardwood floors, new interior doors, new fireplace facade, new bathroom tile and counters and a fully built-out walk-in closet in the master bedroom). And what a great job she did – this Belair condo looks fantastic. This condo is now back on the market, and I have a feeling its going to sell very quickly with the great location, Hollywood Hills and canyon views and a fresh, updated look.

Here’s information provided by the owner:

Not only the best condo in the complex, but the best in the area! This corner unit is located in the renowned Chateau Chambray complex. Upon entry, you are welcomed into the foyer by rich dark brown floors, which continue throughout. It?s all new. Brand new custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances, new shutters, new stacked stone surrounding the fireplace. All the rooms are accentuated with custom paint and striking white baseboards. The master bedroom is sure to please with its en-suite bathroom, new vanity, and custom walk-in closet. The second bedroom/office is very spacious with ample closet space. The living room and both bedrooms offer spectacular canyon views. Enjoy all the complex amenities, which include a pool and spa, tennis court, fully equipped gym, and quiet garden courtyard. Don’t miss out on the Bel Air lifestyle that you deserve. (STANDARD SALE)

MLS #S662196. Listed at $529,000 (as of 6/9/2011)

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