Smoke Alarms: Are You Compliant and Safe?

In South Australia, smoke alarms are a vital component of property safety. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, it’s essential to understand your responsibilities regarding smoke alarm installation and maintenance.

Existing Buildings

As a minimum requirement all homes where building approval was granted before 1 January 1995 are required to be fitted with a smoke alarm powered by a replaceable battery subject to the following change of ownership conditions.

Change of ownership on or after 1 February 1998 From 1 February 1998, if there is a change of ownership of the land on which any building covered by this legislation is built, the new owner must, within 6 months of title transfer, install smoke alarms either:

• hard-wired to the 240 volt household power supply (unless the dwelling is not connected to such a supply); or
• powered by 10 year life, non-replaceable, non-removable, permanently connected batteries.

Home owners were required to comply with the smoke alarm legislation for existing buildings by 1 January 2000.

Landlord Responsibilities

For rental properties, landlords are required to ensure smoke alarms are correctly installed and maintained. This includes replacing alarms before they expire (usually every 10 years) and ensuring they meet current Australian Standards. Landlords must also test alarms within 30 days before the start of a new tenancy or lease renewal.

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants also have a role to play in maintaining smoke alarm functionality. They should never tamper with or remove a smoke alarm. Regular testing of the alarm is encouraged, and any issues, such as a flat battery or malfunction, should be reported to the landlord or property manager immediately.

Types of Smoke Alarms

There are two main types of smoke alarms: ionisation and photoelectric. Photoelectric alarms are recommended as they are more effective at detecting smouldering fires, which are more common in homes. New regulations require the installation of photoelectric smoke alarms when replacing old units.

Key Takeaways

• Check compliance: Ensure your property has the correct type of smoke alarms.
• Regular maintenance: Test alarms regularly and replace batteries annually.
• Stay informed: Be aware of the replacement date and upgrade requirements.

Smoke alarms save lives, providing early warning and precious time to evacuate in the event of a fire. By staying vigilant, you can protect your property and, more importantly, the people inside it.

For more information on smoke alarm regulations and safety tips, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help keep your home safe!