From 23 March 2020, NSW landlords and agents need to ensure that smoke alarms installed in rented properties are in working order.
Requirements for landlords and agents
- Where a smoke alarm is not in working order, landlords and agents must ensure the alarm is repaired (this includes replacing a battery) within 2 business days.
- Landlords and agents must check smoke alarms every year to ensure they are working.
- Landlords and agents must ensure:
- smoke alarms are replaced within 10 years of manufacture, or earlier if specified by the manufacturer
- batteries are installed or replaced every year (or for lithium batteries, in the period specified by the manufacturer).
- Landlords and agents must give at least 2 business days’ notice to inspect or assess the need for smoke alarm repair or replacement, and at least 1 hour notice to carry out repair or replacement of a smoke alarm.
Requirements for tenants
- Tenants must notify their landlord or agent if they discover that a smoke alarm is not working (this includes when the battery needs to be changed).
- Tenants must notify their landlord when they change a battery in a smoke alarm or engage a licensed electrician to repair or replace an alarm. The different circumstances where a tenant can change a battery or engage a licensed electrician are provided in the table below. This does not apply to social housing tenants.
Reimbursement for repairs
A tenant is entitled to reimbursement within 7 days after giving written notice of relevant expenses. The notice must detail the nature and cost of repairs together with copies of receipts or invoices. This does not apply to social housing tenants.