What You Need To Know About Smoke Alarms

From March 23 2020, NSW legislation has changed when it comes to smoke-detectors or smoke alarms, Landlords now have an increased responsibility when it comes to providing and maintaining smoke detectors in rental properties. How does this affect you?

At On Guard Security & Communications we have broken down the new laws to help you be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Information for Landlords

Under the new legislation, landlords must comply with a number of requirements. These are mandatory and come with a penalty of 20 units ($2200) if these conditions are not met.

The legislation states that:-

1. Smoke alarms must be serviced annually to confirm they are functioning

2. Reusable batteries in smoke alarms must be replaced annually

3. Smoke alarms must be replaced within their 10-year life span

4. When notified that a smoke alarm is not working, the landlord must arrange an assessment, replacement and repair of the smoke alarm within 2 business days

5. If the tenant has sought repair or replacement themselves, the landlord must reimburse the tenant within 7 days

6. Information regarding smoke alarms and batteries must be provided to the leasing agency to be included on the condition report before a new tenant moves in.

Information for Tenants

a. Smoke alarms are now considered an emergency item, meaning a maintenance request must be responded to within 2 business days. If you have received no response, you may then seek repair yourself and apply for reimbursement from your landlord.

b. When you move into a rental property, the number and condition of smoke alarms must also be included on the condition report.

c. Yearly inspection and maintenance of your smoke alarms must be carried out and you will need to provide access to your property at this time.

Additional Information

Properties under Strata may be exempt from this legislation if the owner’s corporation has taken full responsibility and the tenants have been notified in writing. A copy of this report must be kept at the leasing agency.

Servicing, maintenance, repair and battery replacement can be carried out by the landlord, or by an authorised 3rd party such as On Guard Security and Communications.

Hardwired smoke alarms can only be repaired or replaced by an authorised electrician

The tenant may replace the battery in a smoke alarm if a maintenance request has received no response. However, the tenant must notify the landlord of this intent in writing, carry out the replacement within 2 business days, and confirm the replacement in writing within 24 hours.

Newcastle Smoke Alarm Services

With over 25 years of experience, On Guard Security and Communications can help provide landlords with reliable and affordable smoke detector installation, maintenance and servicing.

We work with private landlords, strata arrangements and real estate agencies, for both residential and commercial applications.

Our team is professional, fully qualified and insured, and all work is completed to current legislative requirements.

Let On Guard provide the piece of mind that your rental property is protected, call 0409 656 398 today.