Do I have to have smoke alarms in my rental property?
Yes, there must be at least one working smoke alarm in within 3 metres of each bedroom door or every room where a person sleeps.
In self-contained caravans, sleep outs or similar there must be a minimum of one working smoke alarm.
In multi-storey or multi-level homes (including split levels) there must be at least one smoke alarm on each level or storey.
Who’s responsible for replacing smoke alarm batteries?
Tenants are responsible for changing batteries in smoke alarms that are designed to have the battery changed during their tenancy.
Landlords are responsible for ensuring the smoke alarms are working at the beginning of every new tenancy.
What type of smoke alarms are required?
Since 1 July 2016, if you are installing new smoke alarms or if you are replacing an existing smoke alarm, you must install photoelectric smoke alarms with long-life batteries that have a life span of at least 8 years.
There are many different brands of smoke alarms that meet the new requirements. The smoke alarms must be photoelectric alarms with long-life batteries and this will be displayed on the smoke alarm and its packaging.
If in doubt ask, the hardware store can advise which smoke alarms comply with the required standards.
Where can you purchase long-life photoelectric smoke alarms?
You can purchase long-life photoelectric smoke alarms from any of the national hardware chains or your local hardware store.
