Landlords and Property Managers have until the end of the month left to upgrade the smoke alarms in their rental properties before the 2022 legislation is here. The deadline is 1 January 2022.
From the first new lease or lease renewal next year, smoke alarms in Queensland rental properties must meet new requirements.
Landlords will be risking their rental income as properties become illegal to rent out if smoke alarms are left non-compliant. Insurances may also become void as most product disclosure statements have clauses stating properties must comply with local government or other statutory requirements at all times.
As a reminder, these are the requirements for new smoke alarms. They must:
- Be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014)
- Not also contain an ionisation sensor
- Be less than 10 years old
- Operate when tested
- Be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together
- Be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery
Additionally, the upgraded smoke alarms must be installed:
- On each storey
- In each bedroom
- In hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling
- If there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey
- If there are no bedrooms on a storey at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling
To ensure you don’t get caught out with a non-compliant property, it is best to book in your upgrades with a trusted smoke alarm provider.
Stacey Lee Realty has experienced Property Managers to handle the task of maintaining your investment and ensure your investment is working for you with minimal hassles. Call us today at 07 3399 2966 or visit www.staceyleerealty.com.au