Smoke Alarm Regulations
By 1st July 2016 all residential rental properties covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 2986 must meet the following regulatory requirements.
There must be a minimum of one working smoke alarm within 3 meters of each bedroom door and in a self-contained caravan, sleep out or similar there must be a minimum of one working smoke alarm.
The Landlord is responsible for making sure smoke alarms are in working order at the beginning of every new tenancy.
The tenant is responsible for replacing the batteries (if required) during their tenancy
In multi-story units there must be one smoke alarm on each level within the household unit
Long life Photoelectric smoke alarms are now required
Hardwired smoke alarms are also acceptable
All smoke alarms must be replaced in accordance with the manufactures recommended replacement data stated on the alarm
All new and replacement smoke alarms in rental properties are to be installed in accordance with placement requirements provided in the manufactures instructions. The attached illustration from New Zealand Standard 4514 provides a guide on where to place them.
When smoke alarms are installed or replaced you should ensure the alarms you purchase comply with the manufacturing standard, Australian Standard AS3786:1993 (this should be prominently displayed on the packaging)
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