Apartment complexes are on track to face much stricter smoking rules, as the revised rule is to take effect from February.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Monday, that the government will toughen the level of restricting smoking at multi-dwelling units through a legal revision, which will take effect from Feb. 10. 

Previously, common areas -- such as elevators, stairs and hallways -- were considered as “manageable spaces” at apartment complexes. The managing authorities could designate the spaces as non-smoking areas, with the consent from the half of the residents.

But balconies and bathrooms in individual units have been out of hands, as they are private spaces. With the revision, a resident, sensing that someone is smoking, can report the claim to the management authorities.

The authorities will have the right to investigate the matter by searching private dwellings. After finding the smoker, it also will be able to advise that the individual does not smoke in the unit anymore, because it causes harm to other residents.

By Im Eun-byel (silverstar@heraldcorp.com)