A Set Annual Rate and Full Protection
Since 2009, Smoke Alarm Specialists has been providing Property Managers and Landlords with a premium quality and low-cost residential smoke alarm service.
Our clients rely on us to ensure their properties are fully compliant with current State Smoke Alarm Legislation regarding the installation, commissioning, location, and maintenance of residential smoke alarms. Additional information can be found in the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents.
Managing Agents have a legal responsibility to inform you that it is a statutory obligation of Landlords (not tenants) to install and ensure maintenance of smoke alarms in all rental properties. Because of this, adequate precautions are vital to ensure that in the event of a fire you avoid a negligence pay-out.
If you are Renting out a dwelling or unit, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) make it clear the onus rests with the Landlord to ensure smoke alarms are installed and working. Tenants are encouraged to act in their own best interests and check them regularly, but frequently the opposite occurs and tenants tamper or remove them as a result of nuisance alarms from cooking.
A quick visual inspection of smoke alarms at periodic inspections by the Property Manager is no longer adequate. More detailed work is required to meet compliance standards. Property Managers do not possess the time, technical training or equipment to guarantee that smoke alarms are being maintained to compliance standards.
The incidence of domestic fire events is often higher than expected. In Victoria, householders experience on average 4,500 house fires per year. Nationally each year more than 50 people die as a result of fire, with many more injured.
The mainstream media publishes some 40-50 articles each year specifically noting the role smoke alarms play in such incidents. All these articles can be viewed on Smoke Alarm Specialists media page.
It is standard procedure for fire investigators to check whether Australian Standards, Manufacturers Recommendations, and Statutory Obligations have been met. Properties managed by an Agency where formal procedures are in place have the greatest surety against such an event. Such procedures demonstrate an adequate ‘duty of care’ has been performed on behalf of the tenants.
It has now become common practice for Managing Agencies to engage a service provider to do this work on behalf of Rental Providers (Landlords). Landlords are strongly advised not to undertake this responsibility themselves without thorough working knowledge of the technical requirements and legal ramifications involved.
Smoke Alarm Specialists offers a simple set annual attendance rate of $99.00*.
Additionally, Smoke Alarm Specialists educate tenants about their responsibilities while renting, and provide fire evacuation advice specific to your investment property’s floor plan. Photos are taken of every smoke alarm serviced and the Technician’s attendance is signed off by the Tenant and time and date stamped. Providing you with full accountability and transparency as the Rental Provider.
Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help.
*Our $99.00 attendance fee is available for Rent Rolls under contract through Real Estate Agencies. The service includes attendance onsite by a qualified Field Technician, who conducts programmed maintenance on your properties smoke alarms.
