Smoke alarm requirements
Working smoke alarms are compulsory in all rental properties. New smoke alarms must be photoelectric, and landlords are responsible for ensuring they are fully operational at the start of each new tenancy. Failure to meet these requirements may result in financial penalties of up to $ 7,200.
PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS
• Within 3 metres of each bedroom door, or in every room where a person sleeps
• On each level of a multi-storey home
• In all rental homes, including boarding houses, caravans, and self-contained sleep-outs.
SMOKE ALARM STANDARDS
• Any new smoke alarm installed after 2016 must be photoelectric with at least an eight-year battery life, or be hard wired
• They must be installed according to the manufacturers instructions
• Compliant with standards: AS3786:1993( AU); or equivalent international standard: UL217( USA), ULCS531( Canada), BS5446: Part 1( United Kingdom), BS EN 14604( United Kingdom) or ISO12239( International).
NEW BUILD REQUIREMENTS
• For any new build properties, or rentals undergoing major renovations, updated rules for smoke alarms apply. This requirement applies to houses built( or renovated) after the most recent updates to the Building Code
• There must be interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom and living space, on every level of a new build home. This means when one alarm goes off, they all go off, giving occupants the best possible chance to react in an emergency
• Where a kitchen is separated from living spaces and hallways by closable doors, an alarm suitable for kitchens( which may be a heat alarm) must be installed in the kitchen.
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
• Landlords must install alarms( not tenants) according to manufacturer instructions and NZS 4514:2009 placement standards
• The installation of any alarm must avoid dead air spaces and follow recommended distances from ceilings, beams and walls.
Ray White recommends that landlords consider the use of an annual smoke alarm service provider as a best practice step to ensure your obligations are always being met.
These types of providers will consistently check that your smoke alarms are in working order and replace them as part of their service, when required. To find out more, speak with your Ray White property manager.
MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Landlords are responsible for ensuring the smoke alarms are working at the beginning of every new tenancy, and remain so throughout the tenancy.
Tenants must replace batteries during a tenancy( if removable) and report issues as soon as possible.
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
Landlords must install alarms( not tenants) according to manufacturer instructions and New Zealand Standard 4514 guidelines( see illustrations).
The installation of any alarm must avoid dead air spaces and follow recommended distances from ceilings, beams and walls.
Ray White recommends that landlords consider the use of an annual smoke alarm service provider as a best practice step to ensure your obligations are always being met.
These types of providers will consistently check that your smoke alarms are in working order and replace them as part of their service, when required. To find out more, speak with your Ray White property manager.
26 LANDLORD INFORMATION GUIDE