The Fire and Rescue Service Amendment Act 2006 has been law since 1 July 2007, and with it comes added responsibilities for all property owners and property managers.
| Lessor's Obligations for Smoke Anlarms | Start of the Tenancy | During the Tenancy |
Important Links & Information REIQ Best Practice Recomendations Fire Protection Association of Australia Sunstate Smoke Alarms Corporate Member |
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| Installing alarms | Smoke alarms complying with Australian standards must be fitted in all rental properties and in accordance with the Building Code of Australia. | Lessors must give tenants 24 hours notice for entry to install smoke alarms. | ||
| Testing alarms | Within 30 days before the start or renewal of the tenancy and according to the manufacturers instructions. | |||
| Replacing batteries in alarms |
Within 30 days before the start of the tenancy if batteries are flat or nearly flat. |
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| Cleaning alarms | Within 30 days before the start or renewal of the tenancy and as specified by the manufacturer's instructions. | |||
| Replacing failing smoke alarms |
Smoke alarms must be replaced before the end of their service life. |
Smoke alarms must be replaced before the end of their service life. Lessors must give tenants 24 hours notice for entry for the purposes of maintaining smoke alarms. | ||
| Not interfering with smoke alarms | At no time can the lessor remove or relocate the smoke alarm unless it is being replaced or maintained. At no time can the lessor do anything to interfere with the alarm's warning sound. At no time can the lessor remove the batteries unless they are replacing them. | At no time can the lessor remove or relocate the smoke alarm unless it is being replaced or maintained. At no time can the lessor do anything to interfere with the alarm's warning sound. At no time can the lessor remove the batteries. |
The legislation strictly prohibits the owner or agent from transferring this responsibility to the tenant.
Be aware there are severe penalties and fines for you and your agent if you don’t comply with the law. Not to mention that your insurance may be void.
Property Manager and Owners change to Sunstate Smoke Alarms for “FREE”.
If you want better service and a cheaper price change to Sunstate Smoke Alarms. We will take over all existing properties you have and provide our service at no cost until your current arrangements expire. At the expiry of your current arrangement, your owners simply revert to our Annual Service Program. It’s that simple.