There’s no doubt about it: smoke alarms save lives – but only the ones that work! Which is why ensuring your property has working, compliant smoke alarms is so important. 

It is a legal requirement, in all state and territories, that home owners and landlords install working smoke alarms in their property, with recommendations made that alarm systems be upgraded to hard-wired interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms. Specific requirement and regulations may differ from state to state, but all smoke alarms installed must meet minimum standards as per the Australian Standards – AS 3786 (residential smoke alarms).

Smoke alarms should:

• Be cleaned and checked regularly.

• Be replaced every ten years.

• It is recommended that systems be upgraded to photoelectric alarms.

As your property manager, checking the safety of your property is a vital part of our responsibility. Not only are we looking after your property, but also the safety of the tenants who live there. 

We will ensure that alarms are tested, cleaned and working correctly. 

It is a legal requirement that damaged or broken alarms be replaced within 30 days prior to the start or renewal of a tenancy agreement. We also advise tenants to regularly check alarms and advise us directly of any concerns they may have. 

While cleaning and battery changes to alarms can be done by anyone, installation of alarm system must be completed by a suitably qualified professional.

If you have any questions or concerns about upgrading your property’s smoke alarms speak to your property manager.

Your state or territory’s government website should provide details on its regulations, and check with your property manager if you have any concerns. There are private companies that can also assist with regulatory guidelines as well as carrying out  smoke alarm installation.

If you own an investment property in Queensland you have until January 1, 2022 to ensure your property is compliant with the new regulations. So what exactly the changes include? 

For Queensland:

• Property must have photoelectric-type smoke alarms on every storey.

• Alarms must be located in every bedroom, hallways/space connecting bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling, and in living spaces (such as lounge rooms).

• They should be hard-wired to 240V mains power supply with back up battery, or by a non-removable ten-year battery

• Systems need to be interconnected. If this is not possible they need to be wirelessly connected.

While 2022 may still seem a way off, keep in mind the demand for upgrading systems will intensify closer to this deadline.