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Smoke alarms in rental properties

Rules for smoke alarms in rentals

The Residential Tenancy Act 1997 (the Act) requires owners to install and maintain smoke alarms for rented residential properties.

Owners of tenanted premises must ensure that smoke alarms are installed and maintained in accordance with the requirements set out in the Regulations.

Power source of smoke alarms

The owner must ensure that all alarms installed in rental premises are either permanently connected to the power supply of the premises, or are powered by a 10-year non-replaceable battery.

Smoke alarms permanently connected to the power supply of the rental premises must also have an alternative power supply as a back-up.

A smoke alarm containing a replaceable battery does not comply with the Regulations.

Placement of smoke alarms

The owner must ensure that alarms are installed at specified locations with regard to the class of residential building. This is to ensure that the smoke alarms are able to detect smoke before it reaches sleeping building occupants. For example, a standard Class 1a building (i.e. a house) requires a smoke alarm in any storey that contains a bedroom; in each corridor or hallway associated with a bedroom; or if there is no hallway in a space between the bedroom and the remainder of the premises.

Types of smoke alarms

An installed smoke alarm must comply with either of the below Australian Standards:

  • AS 3786 – Smoke Alarms Using Scattered Light, Transmitted Light or Ionization; or
  • AS 1670.1 – Fire Detection, Warning, Control and Intercom Systems– System Design, Installation and Commissioning – Part 1: Fire.

This means that ionisation or photoelectric smoke alarms may be installed.

Smoke alarms with removable 9 volt batteries do not comply with the standards and cannot be installed.

Tenants must ensure the smoke alarm is functioning during the whole tenancy, and should let the owner know as soon as they discover it is not working. The owner must repair or replace the alarm as soon as practicable.

Tenants must keep the smoke alarm free from dust, debris or damage.

The Residential Tenancy Commissioner can issue an order requiring an owner comply with the smoke alarms rules. To apply for an order, use the Application – Order for repairs form (PDF, 107.7 KB).

The Tasmania Fire Service also has information on smoke alarms.

Where to install smoke alarms

You must install alarms on or near the ceiling.  Where this isn't practicable, install a smoke alarm in a place where it will alert people in the property to the presence of smoke.

There are five building classes and the specific installation requirements are:

Class 1a building (houses, town houses, villa units)

In house buildings (class 1a buildings), smoke alarms are required to be installed in every storey.

Storeys with bedrooms

In storeys of a building that contain a bedroom, smoke alarms must be located:

  • in every corridor, or hallway, that is associated with a bedroom; and
  • if there is no corridor, or hallway, in the storey that is associated with a bedroom, between that part of the building containing the bedroom and the remainder of the building.

Storeys without bedrooms

Smoke alarms must also be installed in all storeys of the building that do not have any bedrooms.

Ancillary dwellings, units and other small dwellings (Class 1a building)

Some small dwellings and units do not have distinct or separate bedrooms. They consist substantially of one room comprising sleeping and other facilities. For these types of dwellings and units, smoke alarms are to be located on or near the ceiling between the sleeping area and the remainder of the dwelling.

Class 1b building (small guesthouses, boarding houses accommodating up to 12 persons)

Storeys with bedrooms

In storeys of a building that contain a bedroom, smoke alarms must be located on or near the ceiling:

  • in each bedroom in that storey; and
  • in every corridor, or hallway, that is associated with a bedroom; and
  • if there is no corridor or hallway that is associated with a bedroom, between that part of the building containing bedrooms and the remainder of the premises.

Storeys without bedrooms

Smoke alarms must also be installed on or near the ceiling of all storeys of the building that do not have any bedrooms.

Class 2 building (apartments and blocks of flats)

Storeys with bedrooms

In storeys of the building that contain a bedroom, smoke alarms must be located on or near the ceiling:

  • in every corridor, or hallway, that is associated with a bedroom; and
  • if there is no corridor, or hallway, that is associated with a bedroom, between that part of the building containing bedrooms and the remainder of the premises.

Storeys without bedrooms

Smoke alarms must also be installed on or near the ceiling in paths of egress or escape on all storeys of the building that do not have any bedrooms.

Class 3 building (larger boarding houses)

  • The requirements for boarding houses, guest houses and other class 3 buildings, if used for residential tenancy purposes, are the same as the requirements for class 2 buildings (see above).

Class 4 premises (caretaker flats and residences above shops)

  • The requirements for caretaker flats and shop-top housing, if used for residential tenancy purposes, are the same as the requirements for class 2 buildings (see above).

Further Information

Last updated: 04 Aug 2023

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