DWELLINGS BEING SOLD, LEASED OR AN EXISTING LEASE IS BEING RENEWED
FROM 1 JANUARY 2017
When replacing smoke alarms, they must be of a photoelectric type which complies with Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014 Existing obligations regarding the testing & installation of smoke alarms continue. Tenants have the right to refuse to pay rent until the alarms in the property are made compliant with the legislation
FROM 1 JANUARY 2022
Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:
1) Be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014; and
2) Not also contain an ionization sensor; and
3) Be less than 10 years old; and
4) Operate when tested; and
5) Be interconnected with every smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.
Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey:
1) In each bedroom
2) In hallways, which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
3) If there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey; and
4) If there are no bedrooms on the storey at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the building.
Where practicable smoke alarms must be replaced on the ceiling.
Smoke alarms must not be placed:
1) Within 300mm of a corner of a ceiling and a wall
2) Within 300mm of a light fitting
3) Within 400mm of an air conditioning vent
4) Within 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan
There are special requirements for stairways, sloping ceilings, and ceilings with exposed beams. Refer Building Fire Safety Regulations 2008