CERTIFICATION OF SMOKE ALARMS
Yes, there is much confusion in where responsibility lies with smoke alarm certification.
Basically the land lord is responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable working of any smoke alarm in any rented premises.
The land lord is also responsible to have a certified test to any rented property within 30 days prior that property bring rented.
Also there comes into play, a duty of care to make sure that the smoke alarms are tested very twelve months and any repair works or replacements are carried out correctly and immediately.
if you own and live in your own home then all the following precautions should also be followed.
Below is an extract from the Tenancy Advisor Act.
Basically the land lord is responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable working of any smoke alarm in any rented premises.
The land lord is also responsible to have a certified test to any rented property within 30 days prior that property bring rented.
Also there comes into play, a duty of care to make sure that the smoke alarms are tested very twelve months and any repair works or replacements are carried out correctly and immediately.
if you own and live in your own home then all the following precautions should also be followed.
Below is an extract from the Tenancy Advisor Act.
Lessor's obligations for smoke alarms
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Installing alarms (penalties apply)*
Testing alarms (penalties apply)* Replacing batteries in alarms (penalties apply)* Cleaning alarms (penalties apply)* Replacing failing smoke alarms (penalties apply)* Not interfering with smoke alarms (penalties apply)* |
Smoke alarms complying with Australian Standards must be fitted in all rental properties and in accordance with the Building Code of Australia.
Within 30 days before the start or renewal of the tenancy and according to manufacturer’s instructions. Within 30 days before the start or renewal of the tenancy if batteries are flat or nearly flat. Within 30 days before the start or renewal of the tenancy and as specified by manufacturer’s instructions. Smoke alarms must be replaced before the end of their service life. At no time can the lessor remove or relocate the smoke alarm unless it is being replaced or maintained. At no time can the lessor do anything to interfere with the alarm’s warning sound. At no time can the lessor remove the batteries unless they are replacing them. |
Tenant's obligations for smoke alarms
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Testing alarms (penalties apply)* Replacing batteries in alarms (penalties apply)* Cleaning alarms (penalties apply)* Advising lessor of any failing smoke alarms (penalties apply)* Not interfering with smoke alarms (penalties apply)* |
At least once every 12 months and according to manufacturer’s instructions (for tenancies 12 months or longer). When batteries are flat or nearly flat. At least once every 12 months (for tenancies 12 months or longer). As soon as possible when an alarm fails or is about to fail and/or needs replacing for a reason other than batteries failing. At no time can a tenant remove or relocate the smoke alarm or do anything to interfere with the alarm's warning sound. At no time can the tenant remove the batteries unless they are replacing them. |
