Simple guide to smoke alarm compliance for PM's

The REIQ's Property Management Support Service has been receiving calls about the new smoke alarm rules coming into effect for residential tenancies from 1 January 2022.

In essence, the rules apply to a new tenancy or if an existing tenancy is renewed from this date.

According to Carter Newell Lawyers, the relevant date for a new tenancy or renewal of an existing tenancy is not the date that the Form 18a General Tenancy Agreement (GTA) is signed, but the date the tenancy starts as set out in Item 6.2 of the GTA.

Carter Newell says, with the 1 January 2022 deadline approaching, property managers should ensure that their current Lessor clients and all new clients are well aware of the obligations required under amendments to the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990.

"Property managers should remind their Lessor clients of the additional obligations with sufficient time prior to the start of a new tenancy or renewal of a tenancy, in order for any necessary changes to be made to the smoke alarms at the property."

What are the obligations?

• be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014); and
• not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
• be less than 10 years old; and
• operate when tested; and
• be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so each activates at the same time; and

• in each bedroom; and
• in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling. If there is no hallway, between bedrooms and other parts of the storey; and
• if there are no bedrooms on a storey, there must be at least one smoke alarm installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

You can read the full article by Carter Newell Lawyers here.

Smoke Alarm Solutions is a partner of the REIQ and can help your owners upgrade their smoke alarm systems to be compliant.

REIQ members seeking further advice on this topic or others can email the Property Management Support Service on pmsupport@reiq.com.au citing their membership number to receive a call back. Not a member? Join us today!