TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taoyuan City Government’s Office of Housing Development (OHD) enacted a smoking ban at all 12 social housing facilities it operates beginning in August.

If a tenant is found to violate the smoking ban three times, the lease will be terminated. The very first tenant to be forced out of Taoyuan's social housing for smoking violations occurred Friday (Oct. 25).

The tenant who had their lease terminated was a family of three in the Bade social housing unit. The grandson in the residence repeatedly opened a window to smoke, upsetting a neighbor who documented the repeated offense with video evidence, per CNA.

The OHD said an additional 21 residents have been reported for violating the smoking ban since its implementation. First-time offenders received a warning and had 10 points deducted. The second and third offenses will deduct 30 points per offense, and if the total violation points reach 60 points, the lease will be terminated.

The OHD said it has 12 social housing units in Taoyuan, a total of 4,211 households. High demand for social housing units has led to a lengthy waiting list. 

The OHD said the smoking ban was enacted after a symposium for social housing residents in July. Resident complaints focused on three major issues: rent, lease terms, and smoking.

The harmful effect of smoking by neighbors received the strongest response from residents. Taoyuan City Government has since made all social housing facilities non-smoking.

The OHD said smoking not only harms personal health but also affects the quality of life of residents.

With the first tenant forced out, it sends a message to other tenants that the city intends to limit smoking at the social housing facilities.