Why is it important to have smoke alarms?
Essentially, they save lives.
Every landlord/owner in Australia has an obligation to ensure the property they live in or rent out meets certain State and Federal smoke alarm legislations. Failure to do this can mean fines or potential litigation in case of an injury or death, but more importantly, it puts people at risk. Full stop.
Smoke Alarm legislation asserts that landlords/owners must ensure that their rental property is properly fitted with the required number of working smoke alarms, complying with the Australian Standard. The legislation for Smoke Alarms have changed as of January 2017, and part of that legislation change states that any smoke alarms on existing properties, which are replaced after January 2017 will need to be:
- Photoelectric type
- Hard wired to electricity supply
- Interconnected to other smoke alarms
- Installed in each bedroom, hallways serving bedrooms and in the exit path of every storey not containing bedrooms
The legislation actually has a bit to it and can be confusing with the different requirements of new houses, older houses, owner occupied houses and rental properties and it can be daunting and time consuming to work out what is what. You can read more information about the smoke alarm related legislation in Queensland here.
By far, the best and simplest way for property owners to ensure their properties are compliant is to engage a smoke alarm compliance company.
- Having a company supply a compliance certificate will:
- Ensure your landlord insurance is validated
- Ensure you are meeting your legislative obligations
- Minimize the risks for your tenants
Here a Property Zest and Property Zest Rentals we work closely with Smoke Alarm Compliance companies to ensure our clients, owners and tenants are looked after in every way.
For a relatively small fee (which is tax deductible) your obligations as an owner can be met and you can rest easy. We absolutely recommend this as the way to go if you own property.
If you would like to know anymore information on the current legislation for Smoke Alarms or about rental property management in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, give us a call on 1300 799 114 and we will be able to assist you.