Smoke Alarm Compliance

At Trove Property Management, we take the management of smoke alarms seriously. We have worked closely with LED4 Electrical to tailor a package for our clients that guarantees compliance.

Our offer includes;

1. Assessing each smoke alarm to ensure they are installed in the appropriate locations. Those that are not expired and positioned correctly will be serviced (cleaned, tested, battery replaced where necessary) and the location , serial number and expiry date recorded.
2. Smoke alarms that are surplus to requirements, positioned incorrectly or expired will be removed (this is to avoid any confusion in the future)

Should a smoke alarm required to be replaced or any new smoke alarm required, this will include;

1. A NEW hard wired 240v smoke alarm installed, where practical to do so. This may not be possible in some locations IE: two storey dwellings where there is no access, homes with asbestos etc. Where a hard wired smoke alarm is unable to be installed a 10 year lithium battery alarm will be installed.
2. If any additional 240v hard wired or 10 year lithium battery alarm is required to make the home compliant they will be installed as necessary

Upon completion a compliance certificate will be provided detailing the location, type and expiry date of each alarm in the home.

Fees: $89 service fee, additional $51.00 for replacement of 1 alarm, $57.50 for any subsequent alarm.

ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I recently had a smoke alarm replaced so why should I have annual compliance?

We are keen to make sure that your house is and remains compliant. The vast majority of homes require the installation of more than one alarm. It may be that your alarms expire at different times, meaning one alarm is functioning and brand new, however the other one may have expired. Additionally it may be that your alarm is faulty, has been tampered with (common in tenancies) or only a 9volt alarm is installed where a hard wired or 10 year lithium battery alarm may be required.

I know I have smoke alarm/s already so why bother?

There are a number of reasons to have your investment property/home checked for compliance;

• To check that your alarm is not past the expiry date
• To check that you ahve a hard wired or 10 year lithium battery alarm installed*
• To check that your hard wired smoke alarm's battery back up is operating
• To check that the alarm is operational and not faulty or disengaged
• To check that you have alarms installed in the appropriate locations
• To clean and service

* As we are unable to determine the age of your investment property, or if you have purchased it post 1st February 1998 ALL properties will be fitted with a hard wired alarm ENSURING you comply with relevant legislation

What are my requirements under legislation?

Under current legislation it states that Landlords must ensure their rental property is fitted with the required number of working smoke alarms complying with the Australian Standard (3786-1993) and installed as outlined in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) Part 3.7.2.3

• Smoke alarms must be installed in every storey and the alarms must be located between each part of the dwelling containing bedrooms and the remainder of the dwelling. Also, smoke alarms must be installed in any hallway leading to bedrooms
• Any dwelling that is built on or after 1st February 1995 is required to be fitted with a 240v mains alarm
• Any dwelling that is brought on or after 1st February 1998 is required to be fitted within 6 months of date of purchase with a 240v mains alarm OR a 10 year life non replaceable not removable permanently connected battery powered device

It is a recommendation that ALL properties are installed with a 240v mains powered alarm where possible OR a 10 year life non replaceable not removable permanently connected battery powered device.

Is it really necessary to take up an annual clean/service?

We believe this is the BEST way to ensure your valuabel asset is protected, and that you are not exposed to litigation and financial loss.

The legislation states that "A person who does not comply with the relevant legislation is guilty of an offence. Landlords who fail to take every practical step to ensure the safety of their tenants and property may face the consequences of dismissal of insurance claims for damages, personal injury or loss of life".

If you would like more information on the smoke alarm compliance, make sure you touch base with one of our friendly team!