(Photo courtesy of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development)

HUD is proposing a rule that would make public housing across the country smoke-free.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is proposing a rule that would make public housing across the country smoke-free.

If it passes, the rule would affect around 4,300 units in Arizona. The ban would cover most tobacco products.

There are around 7,200 public housing units in the state. The city of Phoenix has already designated its 2,900 units smoke-free. The main objective of the rule is to limit the exposure of secondhand smoke — a common complaint among some residents, despite efforts to filter the air.

Stephanie Smelnick, with HUD in Phoenix, said a secondary goal is cost savings.

"It’s going to be nationwide estimated $153 million savings. And that’s just in maintenance," said Smelnick. "If anybody has lived in a house where they smoked, you have to replace the carpet you have to paint more frequently because of damage from smoke have unit."

HUD will seek public comment before implementing the rule. If it passes, the housing authority will implement the new policy in their developments within 18 months.