Press Releases

Belmont Anti-Smoking Law Could Affect Condo and Townhome Sales in the City

- For Immediate Release –

San Mateo, CA - According to statistics compiled by RE InfoLink, the multiple listing service of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR), from a current inventory of 14, no condominiums/townhomes sold in the city of Belmont in the month of September, and only two condominiums sold the previous month.

While there may be no direct correlation between Belmont’s new anti-smoking law and the zero sale of condominiums and townhomes last month, officials of the local trade association say it is quite possible the new anti-smoking law in Belmont will have a negative effect on future condo and townhome sales in that city.

“One can’t help but wonder if the zero sales of condos in Belmont last month had something to do with their new anti-smoking law,” commented Geoffrey Craighead, president of the San Mateo County Association of REALTORS®.

Craighead said Belmont’s new law impedes on the rights of apartment and condominium owners. Up until the law was passed landlords determined the smoking status of their dwellings. With the advent of the new law, landlords who don’t mind their tenants smoking feel a smoking ban would remove what they see as a “competitive edge” they have in the market for prospective tenants. He said those in the market for condos and townhomes may shy away from purchasing such property in Belmont because they may not want to deal with the issue.

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) has taken a strong stance against the passage of the Belmont ordinance. Although reasonable regulations that ensure the health, safety and welfare of a community are important, REALTORS®  believe this move by the Belmont City Council infringes upon one of the core principles upon which REALTORS® abide: the protection of private property rights.

Craighead said SAMCAR REALTORS® believe, although well-intentioned, the anti-smoking law goes too far with respect to private property rights.

“The issue is not whether we’re for or against smoking, our mission statement is to protect and preserve private property rights,” said Craighead. “We believe the law impinges upon private property rights. By not allowing someone who owns a condominium to smoke in his own home, you’re taking away that person’s private property rights for something you think is valid.”

Craighead said SAMCAR will continue to register its opposition to the new law.

The San Mateo County Association of REALTORS® (SAMCAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 3,800 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula. SAMCAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in San Mateo County.

The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

For further information, please contact Julie Ziemelis, Director of Public Affairs, e-mail , or phone (650) 696-8214.

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