There are new requirements for smoke alarms in all dwellings (being houses or units) from 1 January this year.
The rules are not retrospective but they will apply when a dwelling is relet (whether to a new or existing tenant).
You can click here for the QFES summary and here for a more detailed explanation. The OFT also has a section on it.
All property managers should make sure their clients are aware of the requirements to comply with the new rules. There is little doubt where liability would sit if there was a fire and the smoke alarms were not compliant.
Just in relation to this – we’ve teamed up with Hotspots to deliver full smoke alarm inspection and compliance for just $77 per year per property! This includes unlimited repeat inspections (such as 2 lease changes in a single year, etc). Exceptional value – and all inspections are carried out by a fully licenced electrician with a written report included for compliance proof. Contact us on 3868 4047 to arrange inspections now.