FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do smoke alarms need to be cleaned? 

Yes, clean smoke and heat alarms with a vacuum cleaner once a month.

How often should smoke alarms be tested? 

Ideally once a month while cleaning them. Test the smoke and heat alarms by pushing the easily accessible test button on each unit.

Do smoke alarms need to be cleaned?

 Yes, clean smoke and heat alarms with a vacuum cleaner once a month.

How often should smoke alarms be tested? 

Ideally once a month while cleaning them. Test the smoke and heat alarms by pushing the easily accessible test button on each unit.

What is the best location in a room to place a smoke or heat alarm? 

The smoke alarm should be placed on the ceiling and ideally close to the middle of the room.

• Place a smoke alarm in each hallway and bedroom.
• Place a smoke alarm at the top of each staircase.

What do the changes in the Residential Tenancy Act mean for landlords? 

From 1 July 2016 smoke alarms must be installed in all residential rental properties – which means:

• Working smoke alarms are now required in each sleeping space or within 3 metres of each bedroom door.
• In a self-contained caravan, sleep out or similar there must be a minimum of one working smoke alarm.
• In multi-story units there must be one smoke alarm on each level within the household unit.
• Landlords are responsible for making sure smoke alarms are in working order at the beginning of every new tenancy.
• Long life photoelectric smoke alarms are now required where there are no existing alarms.
• When existing smoke alarms are replaced, the replacements must be long life photoelectric smoke alarms.
• Hard wired smoke alarms are also acceptable.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended replacement date stated on the alarm.