Burning Questions: Smoke Alarm Compliance in Strata Title Rental Properties

In the domain of property management, the well-being of tenants should always be a top priority for landlords. This responsibility is particularly crucial when it comes to fire safety, a concern addressed by the New South Wales (NSW) Residential Tenancies Act.

While strata annual fire safety checks serve a purpose, there's a strong case for opting for a trusted smoke alarm compliance checking company to ensure full compliance with the law and enhance tenant safety.

Under the NSW Residential Tenancies Act, landlords are obligated to provide functional and well-maintained smoke alarms in their rental properties. These alarms must meet the Australian Standard AS 3786, ensuring they are in proper working condition. Regular testing and cleaning of smoke alarms are also mandated by the Act, along with strategic installation to cover critical areas within the property. While strata annual fire safety checks might seem comprehensive, they might not address all the specific requirements stipulated by the Act for individual rental units.

Here's where the benefits of utilising a reputable smoke alarm compliance checking company come into play:

1. Specialised Expertise: Compliance checking companies specialise in the nuances of the Residential Tenancies Act. Their professionals are well-versed in the precise positioning of smoke alarms, their maintenance, and periodic testing, reducing the likelihood of oversights.

2. Annual Battery Replacement: Strata fire safety checks may include a test of the smoke alarm, but they do not always include a replacement of the battery.

3. Replacement of smoke alarm: All smoke alarms have an expiry date, too often we see properties in strata complexes that have regularly had the annual strata fire safety inspection, but still contain smoke alarms well past their expiration date. A trusted smoke alarm compliance company will replace all smoke alarms before their expiration.

4. Emergency Repairs: Smoke alarms are considered an emergency/urgent repair in the Residential Tenancies Act and any repairs must be attended to within 2 business days. An annual fire safety inspector will not re-attend after the inspection, and the one-off cost for an electrician to attend would cost well in excess of the cost of the annual subscription with a trusted smoke alarm compliance company.

5. Individualised Attention: Unlike generalised strata fire safety checks that cover entire buildings, compliance-checking companies concentrate on each rental unit. This personalised approach enables tailored solutions that address unique challenges specific to each property.

6. Detailed Documentation: Reliable compliance-checking companies provide meticulous documentation of their inspections, repairs, or replacements. These documents serve as concrete evidence of adherence to the Residential Tenancies Act, offering landlords legal protection in potential disputes.

7. Liability Mitigation: By opting for professional compliance checks, landlords demonstrate proactive dedication to tenant safety. Should a fire-related incident occur, this commitment can potentially mitigate legal liabilities.

8. Ensuring Peace of Mind: Confidence in the correct placement, regular maintenance, and legal compliance of smoke alarms bring peace of mind to landlords and tenants alike. This fosters positive relationships built on trust and shared responsibility for safety.

In conclusion, the NSW Residential Tenancies Act places a clear responsibility on landlords to ensure tenant safety by adhering to strict smoke alarm regulations. While strata annual fire safety checks serve as a general safety measure, they might fall short of addressing the detailed requirements outlined in the Act. Engaging a specialised smoke alarm compliance checking company offers numerous advantages, from their expertise and tailored solutions to comprehensive documentation and enhanced peace of mind. By investing in proper compliance checks, landlords are not only safeguarding their properties but also demonstrating their commitment to the safety and well-being of their tenants.

MMJ employs trusted, local smoke alarm maintenance professionals who are qualified electricians and provide a detailed compliance report.

You can find out more about compliance in residential rental properties by reaching out to Residential Management teams.