You must ensure your investment property is compliant with the current regulations. Each state in Australia differs. As we are domiciled in Melbourne, Victoria, this is a quick snapshot to ensure your aware of the Victorian requirements around smoke alarms.
Landlords Responsibility:
Smoke alarms must be installed in all Victorian homes, units, flats and townhouses. Landlords are responsible for fitting smoke alarms in rented properties. Hard-wired smoke alarms with a battery back-up must be installed in all buildings constructed after 1 August 1997. Buildings constructed before that date can have a battery-powered smoke alarm.
Rooming houses (buildings where one or more rooms are available to rent, and four or more people in total can occupy those rooms) must have hardwired smoke alarms.
Tenants’ and Residents’ Responsibility:
Tenants or residents should:
- not deactivate a smoke alarm or interfere with its operation in any way
- notify the landlord or owner if a smoke alarm is faulty or not in working order.
When you move out, you should leave the premises, including smoke alarm batteries, in a similar state to when you moved in.
For more information on testing, maintaining and replacing smoke alarms, visit the Metropolitan Fire Brigade’s website. For more information on your responsibilities with regards to smoke alarms, see the Victorian government website.
Another good source of contact is to talk to your property manager. They will be aware of these regulations and can help you ensure your property remains compliant.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more, please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
Jan 2018
