According to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) in Victoria, which was updated on 28 March 2021, all rental properties in the state must have properly functioning smoke alarms. This is to facilitate early fire detection and timely evacuation, which can potentially mean the difference in saving lives.
As an experienced smoke alarm supplier, we have provided a detailed breakdown of what landlords need to know about the current smoke alarm laws to ensure tenant safety and well-being. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in significant fines and legal liabilities, so it is important to stay informed.
Smoke Alarm Device Requirements
It is a requirement for landlords to provide properly installed and working smoke alarms in any of their rental properties. These alarms must meet Australian Standards AS3786. Additional requirements are based on the type and age of the property, and are as follows:
- Constructed before 1 August 1997: Standalone nine-volt battery-powered smoke alarms.
- Constructed or renovated after 1 August 1997: Hardwired smoke alarms with 240-volt mains power and backup batteries.
- Constructed or renovated after 1 May 2014: Interconnected, hardwired smoke alarms with 240-volt mains power and backup batteries.
Fire services recommend the use of photoelectric smoke alarms and replacing ionisation alarms with them. This is because photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective at detecting darker and thicker smoke produced from smouldering fires, which is the initial; stage of a fire.
At PSA, we find that Lifesaver smoke alarms are popular among landlords and homeowners for their reliability and compliance.
Smoke Alarm Installation Requirements
Under the Act, there are several requirements pertaining to the installation of smoke alarms in a rental property. These include:
Location
The minimum requirement by law is for smoke alarms to be installed on every level of a multi-storey home, as well as in each area that connects bedrooms to the rest of the home – such as hallways.
This is because most deadly fires have been found to start in the lounge or the bedroom, which is also why authorities also recommend for smoke detectors to be installed in the bedrooms themselves.
Power Source
Smoke alarms in a rental must be either hardwired into the property’s electrical system or – for wireless interconnected smoke alarms – powered by a non-removable, 10-year lithium battery. This requirement ensures that the alarms are consistently powered and reduces the risk of battery failures.
Hardwired alarms must be installed by an electrician, while the wireless smoke alarms can be installed by yourself.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance and Responsibilities
While it is the landlord’s legal obligation to provide working smoke alarms and inform the tenants in writing on how to operate, test and report any faults with these alarms, the tenants also share responsibility in checking and maintaining the smoke alarms. These responsibilities are often outlined in the lease agreement and must be upheld.
Regular smoke alarm testing and maintenance is vital for effective upkeep. A typical schedule might look like the following:
- Test: Press and hold the test button until the alarm beeps three times. Do this monthly.
- Clean: Dust, vacuum, or gently wipe around the cover. Do this annually.
- Replace Batteries: Replace the battery if your smoke alarm issues warning beeps (once every 30 seconds). If your alarm uses 9-volt batteries, you should also replace them annually. Models with 10-year lithium batteries do not need annual replacing.
- Replace Units: Replace your smoke detectors every 10 years, ideally with hardwired and interconnected models. Otherwise, at minimum, units that have a tamper-proof chamber and a 10-year lithium battery.
In the case of hardwired alarms, professional inspections may be necessary to ensure the system is operating correctly.
Landlords must keep detailed records of all smoke alarm installations, maintenance activities, and any issues or replacements. This documentation should include the date of battery changes, tests, and any repairs or replacements.
Update Your Smoke Alarms In Your Rental Property
Every landlord has a legal responsibility to keep their tenant and property safe from the risk of fire at home. Smoke alarms must therefore be high priority for landlords as they are the first line of defence against potential fires. Staying abreast of the smoke alarm regulations, investing in compliant smoke alarm systems and performing regular device maintenance can help them create a safer living environment and avoid legal complications.
For further details on the smoke alarm laws in Victoria, contact our support team for personalised advice and solutions. We are committed to helping you navigate these regulations and ensure the safety and well-being of your tenants. You can also read more about how smoke alarms work, how long they last, and how to maintain them on our blog.
