By law, new and substantially renovated homes must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, in hallways where bedrooms are connected and on every level of the residence. If existing smoke alarms were manufactured less than 10 years ago and are still in good working order, they will comply with the new requirements.
Property owners and managers also have the following obligations:
• Replacement smoke alarms must be the photoelectric type that comply with Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014.
• Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced (smoke alarms have their manufacture date stamped on them).
• Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.
• Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacing must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm.
• Test and clean smoke alarms and replace any flat or nearly flat batteries within 30 days before the start or renewal of a tenancy.
• Never remove or touch a smoke alarm unless you are testing it, cleaning it or replacing the battery.
Electrical safety in rental properties – Property owners guide
