New Smoke Alarm Obligations for Landlords
Landlords need to ensure that smoke alarms installed in their investment properties are in working order, correct location and the correct number for the size of the house. A penalty will apply for landlords who fail to comply by NSW Fair Trading.
At the beginning of every new tenancy and every year the landlord must:
• Ensure smoke alarms installed in the rented property are in working order, a landlord must:
• carry out annual checks to ensure all smoke alarms installed at the property are in working order.
• replace a removable battery in all smoke alarms in the period specified by the smoke alarm manufacturer (for a removable lithium battery), or otherwise annually.
• repair or replace a smoke alarm that is not working within two days of becoming aware that it is not working.
• replace a smoke alarm with a new smoke alarm within 10 years from the manufactured date, or earlier if specified by the smoke alarm manufacturer.
• A tenant needs to notify the agent/ landlord if a repair or a replacement to a smoke alarm is required, including the replacing of the battery in a smoke alarm.
As always, please contact Guardian Realty if you would like Smoke Alarms Australia to undertake the above compliances on your investment property.
If you have any questions, or need clarification on any of the above, please contact Anna Marten, our Head of Property Management, on 9651 1666 or anna@guardianrealty.com.au
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