Installation and Regulations for Smoke Alarms
The requirement is to install at least one smoke alarm on every storey of the rental property. The regulations require landlords to install carbon monoxide alarms where solid fuel is used. After the landlord’s test, tenants should test all alarms regularly.
It is a landlord’s responsibility to ensure carbon monoxide alarms are installed on the first day of the tenancy. The regulations require private sector landlords to install at least one smoke alarm on each storey of the premises.
Smoke detectors should be professionally checked yearly. The state recommends testing smoke alarms monthly and alarms must be replaced every ten years.
Responsibilities and Maintenance
It’s important to understand responsibilities as a landlord or tenant regarding smoke alarm rules and regulations. Do smoke alarms have to be hardwired in rented properties? It has been a legal requirement since late 2015. Testing monthly is generally considered an appropriate frequency for smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms or detectors save lives and are mandatory in rental properties. Which Smoke Alarms are Acceptable in Rental Properties? New smoke alarms must be photoelectric and have a long battery life of at least eight years or be hardwired.
While technically anyone can replace a smoke alarm, it’s generally advisable for this task to be carried out by a competent person. In rental properties, it’s typically the landlord’s responsibility to replace smoke alarms.
Legal Requirements and Tenant Rights
From 1 October 2015, every private rented property needs to be fitted with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms (if applicable). Monthly testing is recommended.
What if my landlord did not install smoke detectors? If you are still ignored, buy smoke detectors, provide the landlord with a receipt, and deduct the amount from next month’s rent.
In a rental unit, tenants must notify the landlord in writing immediately if the smoke detector is malfunctioning. Once notified, repairs or replacement should take no more than 5 calendar days to complete.