Take the Smoke Alarm Compliance Quiz
Did you know the type, positioning, and interconnectedness of smoke alarms ensures how effective a smoke alarm is in alerting your tenants to the presence of a fire? Smoke alarm legislation affects you. To see if your property is in compliance with the latest laws, click on each question below and test your answers.
How many smoke alarms does my rental property require?
The number of smoke alarms required depends on the building class, size, and layout of your rental property. A 3-bedroom standalone residence (Class 1a building) may require 1, 2 or 3 smoke alarms based on these variables. The key technical requirements are outlined within the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) document titled, “Building Interim Regulations 2017 Division 2 – Fire Safety in certain existing Residential Buildings”. The appropriate locations referred must be determined in accordance with Practice Note 2006-27 issued by the Building Commission (VBA) in May 2006.
Of what relevance are the age of the smoke alarms installed in my rental property?
Manufacturer’s recommendations and Australian Standards require smoke alarms to be replaced at 10 years of age. The date of manufacture or expiry is specified on the smoke alarm label. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) specifies that installed smoke alarms in your rental property must not be more than 10 years old at the time of the transfer of ownership, or making the dwelling available for rent or hire.
Does my rental property require mains connected smoke alarms?
Since 1 August 1997, Victorian law states that smoke alarms (complying with Australian Standards AS3786-1993) must be installed in all homes, units, flats and townhouses. Residential homes constructed before 1 August 1997 need only standalone, battery-powered smoke alarms. Residential homes constructed after 1 August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240-volt mains power. The key technical requirements are outlined within the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) document titled, “Building Interim Regulations 2017 Division 2 – Fire Safety in certain existing Residential Buildings”.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of smoke alarms in my rental property (Myself as Landlord, the Property Manager, the Tenant)?
In Victoria, Building Regulations state it is the responsibility of Landlords to install and maintain smoke alarms within rental properties. Some Managing Agents add clauses into the Tenancy Agreement which suggest or imply Tenants are responsible for smoke alarm maintenance and battery changes. This is simply no legal basis for this policy in Victoria.
Is it mandatory to have rental property smoke alarms checked by a 3rd party service company?
No legislation or code mandates that Landlords contract a 3rd party company to service the smoke alarms in Class 1a or Class 2 properties in Victoria. It has become common practise for Managing Agents to retain a service provider to conduct this work, as Property Managers do not have the time, equipment or expertise to ensure the rental properties are fully compliant.
What do I do if I am not in compliance?
A fine can be imposed on an owner who fails to comply with the smoke alarm requirements of the Regulations. Contact Smoke Alarm Specialists today. Our all-inclusive smoke alarm services are designed to protect your tenants and your property. We will bring your property into compliance and help you maintain good standing.
