By Tammy Vitale, Vitale Property
Principals and Property Managers know that new legislation for smoke alarms is looming, which means it’s time to think about compliance and take action now.
From 1st January 2022 all homes or units being sold or leased (or those with existing leases renewed), will require hardwired photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms. Non-removable 10-year battery smoke alarms can also be installed.
Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:
- be photoelectric (AS3786-2014);
- not also contain an ionisation sensor;
- be hardwired to the mains power supply, if currently hardwired. Otherwise, smoke alarms can be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery or a combination of both;
- be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
For existing homeowners, the new smoke alarm legislation comes into effect from 1 January 2027. This means all existing private homes, townhouses and units will require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms. These must be hardwired (e.g. 240v) or non-removable 10-year battery powered type alarm.
As a Principal and Property Manager of Vitale & Co Property Management Services situated in the Manly Harbour Village, we have been working over the last year or so to get all properties ready and compliant for the new legislation, which has (and is still) a large job.
It reminds me of the time when the legislation for blind cords compliance came into effect and there was this made rush to get properties compliant.
I am hoping everyone in our industry understands the importance and implications if this is not adhered to.
My recommendation is if you are a current landlord, private owner, or are dealing with an agency you need to ask the question: have I done this? Or is this being looked at and actioned for my property?
