GREENSBORO, N.C. -- All housing and property under the Greensboro Housing Authority is now smoke and tobacco free.

• The regulations come after the Department of Housing and Urban Development decided to make all public government housing and a 25-foot radius smoke-free
• Individual agencies around the country could decide if they wanted to expand on the smoke-free regulations
• In a statement, the Greensboro Housing Authority said, due to a lack in funding, they cannot create designated smoking areas at this time

The regulations come after the Department of Housing and Urban Development decided to make all public government housing and a 25-foot radius smoke-free.

Individual agencies around the country could decide if they wanted to expand on the smoke-free regulations. A few options were creating a designated smoking area, or banning smoking completely from the property.

Some residents understand the government regulations, but are frustrated with of the lack of options.

"We pay rent in this building just like the non-smokers. All we ask for is a smoking area. We don't want to have to go on the street to smoke our cigarettes," Sharon Davis said. She lives in the Gateway Plaza property.

In a statement, the Greensboro Housing Authority said, due to a lack in funding, they cannot create designated smoking areas at this time.

According to the HUD website, smokers are not a protected class under the Fair Housing Act.

Property managers cannot discriminate against smokers, but they are allowed to make their buildings and properties smoke free.

GHA said "the ultimate benefit for the residents is a healthier and safer environment with clean air and dramatically reduced risks of second and third-hand smoke."