Smoke Alarms – Investment properties
New legislation relating to smoke alarms came into effect from 01 January 2017. The new law impacts on all new domestic dwellings, properties that undergo substantial renovations and all rental properties. These new laws came about after a string of tragedies causing loss of life in Queensland in recent years.
The legislation is to be implemented in three stages.
- 01 January 2017
- 01 January 2022
- 01 January 2027
This article covers the requirements of the first stage. ie 01 January 2017. From this date, investment property owners must comply with the new legislation as follows.
Existing leases, new leases and lease renewals
- Smoke alarms older than 10 years must be replaced with a photoelectric alarm type.
- If a smoke alarm does not operate when tested, it must be replaced immediately.
- If a hard wired smoke alarm has to be replaced, it must be replaced with a hard wired alarm.
New dwellings and dwelling that are being substantially renovated
- Smoke alarms must be photoelectric.
- Must not have a ionisation sensor.
- Must be hard-wired.
- Must be inter-connected.
- Must be installed in every bed-rrom
- In hallways that connect to bedrooms and
- If there are no bedrooms, then an alarm must be fitted on each story.
In addition to the new requirements, there are the existing responsibilities of both landlords, their property managers and indeed tenants.
Landlords
- Test, clean and replace batteries and alarms within 30 days of the start or renewal of a tenancy.
- Not remove a smoke alarm or battery or do anything to reduce its effectiveness.
Tenants
- Replace batteries if they are flat or becoming flat
- Test and clean smoke alarms at leave every 12 months
- Advise the Property Manager if there is any issue with the alarm
- Not remove a smoke alarm or battery or do anything to reduce its effectiveness.
This article is intended to provide a summary of the new smoke alarm laws that are applicable from 01 January 2017 to help investment property owners understand the new requirements. More detailed information can be found at the Queensland Government Fire and Emergency Services website.
You can also download fact sheets from both the RTA and QFES here.
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